What is SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)?

SSDI is a program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are disabled and have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years. The key focus of SSDI is your work history—specifically, how long you’ve worked and paid into the Social Security system.

Eligibility for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following criteria:

• Work History: You must have worked a certain number of years and earned a sufficient number of work credits. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned within the last 10 years.
• Medical Condition: You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability, which must be severe enough to prevent you from working and expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
• Age: While there is no upper age limit for SSDI, your age can affect the number of work credits required. Younger workers may need fewer credits, while older workers may need more.

How SSDI Works

• Funding: SSDI benefits are funded through payroll taxes that workers and employers pay into the Social Security system.
• Benefit Amount: Your SSDI benefit amount is based on your average lifetime earnings. The more you worked and earned during your career, the higher your SSDI benefit will be.
• Waiting Period: There is typically a 5-month waiting period before you can begin receiving SSDI benefits, starting from the date of your disability onset.

What is SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?

SSI is a need-based program that provides financial assistance to people who are disabled, elderly, or blind and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history—it is available to individuals who are in financial need, regardless of their prior employment history.

Eligibility for SSI

To qualify for SSI, you must meet the following criteria:

• Financial Need: SSI is based on your income and resources. To qualify, your income and assets must be below certain thresholds set by the SSA.
• For 2025, the income limit for an individual is $1,913 per month for earned income and $2,913 per month for a couple. For resources, the limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
• Medical Condition or Age: You must either have a medical condition that prevents you from working or be 65 or older. Individuals who are blind or disabled may also qualify.

How SSI Works

• Funding: SSI benefits are funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. This is because the program is meant for people with limited financial resources, rather than those who have paid into the Social Security system.
• Benefit Amount: SSI provides a standard monthly benefit, which varies by state and may be supplemented by additional state programs.
• No Work History Requirement: Unlike SSDI, you do not need a work history to qualify for SSI. Instead, your eligibility depends on your financial need.

Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI

Here’s a quick comparison of the most important differences between SSDI and SSI: