What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability or Title II disability is the social insurance program financed by contributions of employers and employees for the disabled and blind. An individual’s past earnings largely determine benefits and eligibility.

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What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Title XVI is a public assistance program for the elderly, disabled and blind. Since the SSI program is a public assistance program based on need, specified payments unrelated to wages or earnings are made only to those disabled individuals who have income and resources below a specified amount.

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What are the basic disability requirements?

The law defines disability as the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A person must provide medical information showing that he or she is afflicted by a physical or mental impairment which is expected to last 12 consecutive months and which would preclude the performance of past work as well as other forms of work (substantial gainful activity) which he or she might be able to perform considering his age, education, work background, training and remaining physical and mental capabilities.