The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Disability Insurance

pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

This program is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons.

The worker will get Medicare coverage automatically after receiving disability benefits for two years.

To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes.

Disability benefits are payable to:

blind or disabled workers



their children



widow(er)s



adults disabled since childhood

The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

Supplemental Security Income

pays benefits based on financial need.

This program is financed through general revenues from taxes, meaning benefits are not based on your prior work history.