Social Security disability benefits come from two different federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The first program, Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), only provides benefits to disabled workers who already paid taxes into the trust fund. The second program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), provides financial assistance and health coverage benefits to disabled Americans who haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI.

How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Programs

If you are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

There are two types of disability benefits available to disabled Americans: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is for those who have paid money into the system through previous employment; and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is for those who haven’t met this qualification but meet other criteria for approval such as low income. First, we’ll explain how to qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits.