What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

May 22, 2018

Social Security Disability Insurance covers you if you can’t work because of your health, but you have a substantial recent work history and you paid Social Security taxes out of your paychecks.

Supplemental Security Income doesn’t require any recent employment under which you paid Social Security taxes. If medical problems keep you from working and you have limited income and resources – such as property – you could be eligible for SSI.

Children with impairments that limit their ability to function the same way as other children their age also can qualify for SSI benefits, depending on their parents’ income and assets.