Social Security - Disability Programs

The Social Security Administration has responsibility for two disability programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance, (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

(SSDI) Social Security Disability Insurance is funded with Social Security taxes paid by worker, employers and self employed people.

Eligibility for SSDI is based on the worker earning sufficient credits based on taxable work to be insured for Social Security purposes.

Benefits are also payable to blind or disabled workers, and widow(ers) or adults disabled since they were children. Amounts of monthly benefits are determined by the worker’s Social Security earnings record.

(SSI) Supplemental Security Income is a program that is not based on a person’s work history and is funded through general revenues.

SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are blind or disabled and meet the income and resources requirements.

More information about disability programs can be found at:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ which is a valuable resource for

information about all of Social Security’s programs. Here you also can:

Apply for certain kinds of benefits;

Find the address of your local Social Security office;

Request a Social Security Statement or a replacement Medicare card and,

Find copies of Social Security publications.

In addition to using this governmental website, you also can call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, where you can find answers for specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There is also information provided by an automated phone service 24 hours a day. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

All calls are treated confidentially. Social Security wants to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service.