The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits under two different programs:
• Social Security Disability Insurance is the program most people think of when they hear "disability benefits." It is commonly known by the initials SSDI, or just SSD, or even DIB (for Disability Income Benefits).
This program is for insured workers, their disabled surviving spouses and children. In order to qualify, or to be considered "insured," you must have worked five of the past ten years before you became disabled. You must either be permanently disabled, or have a disability expected to keep you from working for twelve months or more.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program for people with little or no income and resources. The disability requirements are the same as SSDI, but SSI is an entitlement program, and is available for people who have NOT worked the required number of years.
