What is Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, SSDI & SSI

Social Security disability benefits provide cash support for workers with physical or mental disabilities who cannot work due to the severity of their condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) controls this federal program, which is funded by payroll taxes.

Social Security Disability (SSD) can help people who cannot work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year. SSD benefits are paid each month on either a long-term or permanent basis, depending on whether a person’s disability is expected to be permanent. Social Security Disability Insurance only pays for total disability and provides no benefits for partial disability or for short-term disability. To be eligible, a disabled worker must have worked for a certain length of time in a position where he or she paid Social Security taxes. In November 2010, more than 8 million disabled workers received benefits.

This website is meant to provide you with a clear picture of what Social Security Disability Insurance is and whether the program is right for you.