Whats the difference between SSI and disability benefits?

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is available to disabled adults and children who have little or no income and/or resources, do not have much of a work history or none at all, may have paid little or no Social Security taxes, and meet Social Security’s definition of a disabled individual. SSI benefits may also be available to people age 65 and older that are not disabled but meet the income requirements.

Social Security disability insurance is for insured workers, their disabled surviving spouses and children (disabled before age 22) of disabled, retired or deceased workers. The SSDI program pays benefits to disabled individuals who have worked long enough and have paid Social Security taxes. Certain family members may also be eligible for SSDI benefits, and an adult child of a disabled person may qualify based upon the parent’s earnings record if the child became disabled before the age of 22.

Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer to learn more about the benefits offered by Social Security, and how you can get payments.