Social Security Disability Programs

1.  Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI)

• SSDI provides disability payments to individuals who are “insured” by virtue of their contributions to the Social Security trust fund through the Social Security tax on their earnings (FICA), as well as to certain disabled dependents of the insured individual.
• When an individual receives SSDI, he or she is also entitled to Medicare – but only the disabled person, not their dependents.

2.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• SSI makes payments to individuals (including children under age 18) who are disabled and have limited income and resources.
• This is a needs-based benefit. Eligibility and the amount paid depend upon assets, income, living arrangements, and whether your state government supplements the federal payment.
• Those eligible for SSI will also be eligible for other needs-based programs, like Medicaid.