What is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

The supplemental income disability is the benefit for people in the US with disabilities. One is in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the other is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They are the largest of several Federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration. Both programs require medical criteria and only individuals who have disability may qualify for the benefits.

The SSDI is a payroll tax-funded program. An individual can only be insured if he or she has enough contribution and paid Social Security taxes. This program is intended to provide income in case the person is unable to work because of a disability until the person’s condition improves. It also guarantees income if the person's condition does not improve. Aside from the insured person, the supplemental security income disability benefits can be extended to certain members of the family which could be the spouse, divorced spouse, children and disabled children.

In general the total amount to be received by the family is about 50 to 80 percent of the insured person’s disability benefit. In addition to the benefit amount, the limit to the amount to be paid to the family will depend on the number of family members who are entitled for the benefit.

The requirements to be eligible for the SSDI benefits are as follows: The individual cannot perform any “substantial gainful activity" due to physical or mental condition. His condition is expected to last at least 12 months or may result to death. The individual is under the age of 65. He has worked 5 out of the last 10 years when he had disability.

On the other hand, SSI is a type of benefit based on financial need or for individuals experiencing financial and resource poverty, in addition to medical disability. It is funded by general tax revenues not Social Security taxes. It is a monthly stipend which is provided to people, who have little or no income. It also gives cash in order to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The payments are made from the US Treasury and being paid on the 1st of the month, for the current month.

The requirements to be eligible for SSI benefits are as follows: The individual should be 65 years old or older, blind, or disabled. He or she should legally reside in one of the 50 states of the US, the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, or he or she should be a child of military parent assigned outside the US, or he or she is a student who is temporarily abroad. The individual’s income and resources are limited.