Information About Disability Benefits From Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to Americans who are unable to work due to a disability. According to SSA, it provides benefits to those who have a medical condition which may last longer than one year or to those with life-threatening illnesses.

Types

• The Social Security Administration offers two programs that provide disability benefits, which are the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Both programs are for individuals with disabilities; however, the SSI program is for low-income individuals who are either blind, disabled or age 65 and older.

Benefits

• In addition to receiving financial benefits, disabled individuals receive Medicare -- a health insurance program operated by the federal government -- after receiving disability benefits for at least two years.

Qualifying

• In order to receive disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of "disabled," which is having a long-term or life-threatening condition that prevents you from working in your prior occupation and prevents you from working in a new one. Also, you must have earned work credits, which are based on your annual salary and age.

Considerations

• If your disability improves and you want to return to work, SSA offers work incentives to help. These include financial and medical benefits while on a trial work period, plus training and rehabilitation services.