1. Eligibility Requirements

Social Security Disability (SSD):

• SSD is a program designed for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes (FICA) for a certain number of years.
• To be eligible for SSD, you must have earned enough work credits over the course of your career. Generally, you need to have worked for 5 out of the last 10 years (although this varies depending on your age).
• SSD is only available to those who have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability, which must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• SSI is a need-based program that provides assistance to individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Unlike SSD, SSI is not dependent on your work history. Instead, it is meant to assist individuals who have little or no income or assets. Even if you have never worked, you may qualify for SSI if you meet the financial requirements and are disabled.
• In addition to being disabled, applicants for SSI must meet strict income and asset limits. For example, in 2025, the SSI asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples (excluding certain assets like your primary home or car).

2. Benefit Amounts

Social Security Disability (SSD):

• SSD benefits are based on your work history and earnings. The more you have earned and paid into Social Security, the higher your monthly benefit will be.
• In 2025, the average monthly SSD benefit is around $1,500, though it can range from $800 to over $3,000 per month, depending on your lifetime earnings.
• SSD benefits can increase over time through cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to keep up with inflation.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• SSI provides a fixed monthly benefit that is set by the federal government and varies slightly depending on where you live. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for a couple.
• Because SSI is need-based, the amount of your monthly benefit can be reduced if you have other income or assets. States may also provide additional payments to supplement the federal SSI benefit, depending on where you live.

3. Health Insurance Coverage

Social Security Disability (SSD):

• After you have been receiving SSD benefits for 24 months, you automatically become eligible for Medicare, a health insurance program for those aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare provides access to a broad range of healthcare services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• If you qualify for SSI, you are eligible for Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals. Medicaid eligibility is generally available immediately after approval for SSI, and benefits can vary by state.
• Medicaid typically offers more extensive coverage than Medicare, including help with long-term care, depending on the state’s program.

4. Work and Earnings Limits

Social Security Disability (SSD):

• If you are receiving SSD benefits, you are allowed to work, but there are strict limits on how much you can earn. The SSA uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine whether you are able to work while still being considered disabled.
• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals. If you exceed these limits, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled and stop your SSD benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• SSI also has strict limits on income. If you are working while receiving SSI, the SSA will reduce your benefits based on how much you earn. For instance, for every $2 you earn, your SSI benefit is reduced by $1.
• In addition to income, SSI has strict asset limits (as mentioned above). If you accumulate too many assets (such as savings, property, or other valuables), you could lose your eligibility for SSI.

5. Application Process

Social Security Disability (SSD):

• The application process for SSD benefits involves submitting an application through the SSA’s website, over the phone, or at a local SSA office. You will need to provide information about your work history and medical condition.
• The approval process can take several months, and many initial SSD claims are denied. However, many applicants are successful on appeal with the help of a qualified attorney.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• The application process for SSI is similar to SSD, but there are additional steps to verify your financial need. You will need to provide detailed information about your income, assets, and living situation.
• SSI applications can also take months to process, and there are strict rules regarding income and resources, so it’s important to understand the financial limits before applying.