What Social Security Disability Benefits Are There?

There are several different types of Social Security Disability benefits/programs. The two most common types are Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When most people refer to Social Security Disability benefits they are referring to SSD.

To qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD), an individual must have enough work history credits which are acquired by paying into the Social Security system. In general, in order to have enough work history credits an individual needs to have worked in five out of the ten years prior to becoming disabled.

In addition to having enough work history credits, an individual must prove that they are disabled. An individual must have a medical condition(s) that meets Social Security's definition of disability. It must be expected that you will be unable to work for at least a year due to your disabilities.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate Social Security program. The major difference between SSD and SSI is that SSI does not require work history in order to qualify. SSI is for individuals who have limited income and resources who are either older than 65, blind or disabled. For the purposes of this blog, if you are a disabled individual with limited income and resources you may qualify for SSI, even if you have little or no work history. Social Security has the same definition of disability for those applying for SSD and SSI.

Social Security looks at the total income, finances and resources of the household when determining whether an individual meets the eligibility criteria for SSI. If a person is married, Social Security will take their spouse's income into consideration. SSI is the only disability benefits program available for children under age 18.

Other Disability Benefits

Disabled Widow's/Widower's Benefits: Disability benefits are also available to those over the age of 50 who are disabled and whose spouse (who has paid into the Social Security system) has died. Social Security requires that the individual became disabled before or within seven years of their spouse's death. Social Security uses the same definition of disability as is used for analyzing individuals applying for SSD and SSI.

Adults Disabled Before They Are 22 Years Old: Benefits may be available for adults who become disabled prior to the age of 22. The child's parent must either be deceased or already receiving retirement or disability benefits. This individual will receive monthly benefits based on the earnings record of their parent. Social Security uses the same definition of disability as is used for analyzing individuals applying for SSD and SSI. For other issues concerning benefits payable on a parent's earnings record view the Social Security website.

SSI Disability Benefits For Children: Children up until the age of 18 may qualify for SSI benefits if they are disabled and have limited income and resources. When determining if a child meets the income and resource eligibility criteria for SSI, Social Security will also take into account the income and assets of their parents and other household members.

Social Security has a different disability definition for children under 18. According to Social Security in order to be considered disabled:

• The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
• The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death. 

Declan Gourley is a Social Security Disability attorney who practices law in the New York/New Jersey area.