SSDI vs SSI

If you or someone close to you is blind or has a health condition that limits your ability to earn a living, financial help is available. Two federally funded programs that help people with disabilities cover their monthly expenses are the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. Both have similar requirements, but each program has fundamental differences.

Understanding the Social Security Disability Insurance Program

To qualify for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, you must meet the criteria for being disabled. Disability means having a physical or mental health condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least a year. You must also meet certain earning requirements you must have worked for 20 of the last 40 quarters. Once approved, you will receive monthly benefit payments after an initial waiting period.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was created to help people who cannot work due to the limitations of their physical or mental condition. The basic requirements for both programs are very similar, but each has different rules and purposes. The application process is the same.