Benefits Available

The Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.

Both programs are run by the Social Security Administration and only people who have a disability and meet medical criteria will qualify for benefits under either program.

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

   To be disabled under SSD you must:

   • Have physical or mental health problems or a combination of severe conditions..
   • These conditions must be severe enough to keep you from working in any job for which you are qualified.
   • You must be unable to work for a period of 12 months or more.

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on financial need

To be disabled under SSI you must have:

1. Met the "Five elements" so that you are considered DISABLED

   AND

2. Have assets (cash, bank accounts, CDs, stocks, etc.) valued at $2,000.00 or less or if you are married, you and your spouse must own things valued at $3,000.00 or less.