SSI vs SSDI: disability benefits explained

If a health condition or disability makes it hard or impossible to work, two Social Security programs may be able to help: SSI and SSDI. They sound similar and are both run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but they qualify people in very different ways. Knowing which one fits your situation helps you apply for the right thing.

SSI — Supplemental Security Income:

• Based on financial need, not your work history
• For people who are disabled, blind, or age 65+ with very low income and few resources
• You do not need a work record to qualify
• Often comes with Medicaid health coverage in most states

SSDI — Social Security Disability Insurance:

• Based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid
• For people who worked long enough (earning 'work credits') and now can't work due to a disability
• Your payment is tied to your past earnings, not your current income
• Usually leads to Medicare coverage after a waiting period

Both programs use the same basic definition of disability: a condition that is expected to last at least a year (or be terminal) and that seriously limits your ability to work. Some people qualify for both at once, which is called 'concurrent' benefits.

You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Applications ask for detailed medical records, work history, and doctor information, so gather as much as you can before you start. Many claims are denied the first time — often for missing information — so if that happens, don't give up. You have the right to appeal, and many people are approved after appealing.