Connected to your work history
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance
Generally considers your qualifying work history and whether you meet SSA’s disability rules.
Learn about SSDIDISABILITY BENEFITS
Understand the options. Start with the essentials.
SSDI and SSI are different programs with a shared purpose: financial support for people who meet their rules.
Check My EligibilityTWO PROGRAMS. A CLEARER PICTURE.
SSDI and SSI. Understand the difference.
Both offer support to eligible people. What they consider is different.
Based on financial need
SSI
Supplemental Security Income
Generally considers limited income and resources, along with age, blindness, or disability and other rules.
Learn about SSISome people may be eligible for both. Only SSA can determine benefit eligibility.
START WITH YOUR SITUATION
Could you be eligible for disability benefits?
Every situation is different. If any of these feel familiar, learning about your options is a helpful first step.
Work has become difficult
Your health makes it harder to keep up with the demands of your job.
Your condition affects daily life
Everyday tasks require more effort, adjustments, or help.
Your condition may be long-term
Your limitations are ongoing, rather than a brief setback.
Employment is hard to maintain
Symptoms or treatment interrupt a consistent work schedule.
You have applied or been denied
You want to understand the process and possible next steps.
You are unsure where to start
You are not sure which program or information applies to you.
The application journey
Prepare
Collect work and medical information. You can use SSA’s disability starter resources to organize what you need.
Apply directly with SSA
Choose the official application method available for your program. Our eligibility form is a separate information request.
Follow your application
Keep copies, respond to requests, and read each decision notice. If denied, check your appeal options and deadlines.
General information • Reviewed September 15, 2026. Read the official SSA guidance . Rules and individual circumstances may vary.
COMMON QUESTIONS
A few answers. A little more clarity.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program for people who meet disability rules and have qualifying work history. SSA makes benefit decisions.
Supplemental Security Income provides payments to eligible people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Children may also qualify under different rules.
SSDI generally depends on qualifying work history. SSI is needs-based. Some people may be eligible for both programs; each has its own nonmedical rules.
Eligibility depends on the program and individual circumstances. For adult disability claims, SSA considers work activity, medical evidence, functional limitations, and how long a condition lasts.
Many physical and mental conditions may be considered. A diagnosis by itself does not establish eligibility. Evidence of severity and limitations is important.
Working does not answer the eligibility question by itself. Earnings, the nature of your work, and applicable program rules matter. SSA also has work incentives for some benefit recipients.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Ready to learn more about your disability benefit options?
Start with a little clarity. Explore what may apply to your situation.
Private & confidentialFree reviewNo obligation