Social Security and Disability

Social Security disability benefits can be paid under two programs: The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits program.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSD) is based on prior work history under Social Security and is available for individuals who have worked in the last 5 years and are now disabled. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on a financial need basis and is not based on whether the applicant has worked in the past.