Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income

What is SSDI and SSI?

When you are unable to work, you can file for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. There are two different programs for disability. You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs require the applicant to be disabled in order to receive benefits; however, there are important differences. SSDI benefits are based on the applicant’s earnings and they must have paid into the SSDI system by working a certain number of quarters. In most cases, someone must have worked about 5 out of the last 10 years in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. The amount that the applicant will receive is based on the amount they have paid into the system. SSI benefits do not have any requirements for the number of quarters paid into the system. Anyone can apply if they are disabled and have limited income and limited resources. This means to be eligible for SSI benefits you cannot have much money in the bank, cannot have much property or possessions, and cannot have much income from other sources including a spouse. Here is another article regarding SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration.

This is a very simplistic overview of the two types of benefits. If you have additional questions please email with any questions, or contact us via call.