Types of Disability Benefits

There are several types of disability benefits, each with different eligibility criteria and application processes. The two main programs provided by the SSA are:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a work history and have earned enough “work credits” by paying Social Security taxes. The amount you receive will depend on your earnings during your working years.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  SSI is a need-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI is available to individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled, and it focuses on providing assistance to those who have financial difficulties. To qualify for SSI, you don’t need to have a work history, but you must meet strict income and asset limits.

Eligibility Requirements for Disability Benefits

To qualify for disability benefits, whether through SSDI or SSI, you must meet certain criteria established by the SSA:

• Medical Condition
  You must have a medical condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working. This condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments that includes conditions considered severe enough to qualify for disability benefits.

• Work History (For SSDI)
  For SSDI, you must have worked for a specific number of years and paid Social Security taxes. The exact number of years depends on your age at the time of your disability. If you haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you may still qualify for SSI.

• Income and Resources (For SSI)
  SSI benefits are income-based, meaning that if you have too much income or too many assets, you may not qualify. The SSA evaluates your financial situation to determine whether you meet their eligibility criteria for SSI.

How the SSA Determines Disability

The SSA follows a five-step evaluation process to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits:

• Step 1: Are You Working?
  If you are currently working and earning above a certain threshold, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled.

• Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?
  Your condition must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as sitting, standing, walking, and remembering instructions.

• Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet or Equal a Listed Impairment?
  If your condition is listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, or if it’s medically equivalent, you may automatically qualify for benefits.

• Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Work?
  The SSA will assess whether you can still perform your previous job. If you can, you will not qualify for benefits.

• Step 5: Can You Do Other Work?
  If you can’t perform your past work, the SSA will determine whether you can adjust to another type of work, based on your skills, age, education, and limitations.

How Much Will You Receive in Disability Benefits?

The amount of disability benefits you will receive depends on several factors, such as your work history, the type of disability, and whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI. SSDI benefits are based on your past earnings and Social Security contributions, while SSI benefits are typically a set amount based on income and resource limits.

For SSDI, your monthly benefit amount is calculated based on your average lifetime earnings. The SSA provides a disability benefits calculator on its website to estimate your potential benefit.

For SSI, the monthly benefit is based on the federal benefit rate (FBR) and is adjusted for income and resources.