What are Social Security Benefits?

Social Security benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These are the two largest federal programs which provide monthly payments to people with disabilities. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration, and both programs have strict requirements for what constitutes a qualifying disability.

The main difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits are the eligibility requirements. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are based on a person’s work history, and require that a disabled person has spent a certain portion of the last several years working and earning income. Supplemental Security Income benefits are based on financial need, and require that an eligible person is too disabled to work.