Benefits and Eligibility

Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security disability benefits are paid out through two federal programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Both programs pay insurance benefits to people whose medical conditions prevent them from working their normal work schedules. To qualify, you must have “a physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you from doing any substantial work for at least a year” – or a condition that is expected to result in your death. Generally, $1000 or more of monthly earnings are considered to be “substantial.”