Social Security

Social Security is a federal social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement.  Social Security benefits replace a percentage of earnings when an individual retires, becomes disabled or dies.  As an individual works and pay taxes, Social Security “credits" are earned. Most people need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for benefits. Younger people need fewer credits to be eligible for disability benefits or for family members to be eligible for survivors benefits when the worker dies.

The Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits are the largest of several federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  Disability under Social Security for an adult is based on the inability to work because of a medical condition.  SSDI pays benefits to an individual and certain family members if the person becomes disabled and meets SSA criteria. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  This is a federal supplemental income program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes).  It assists those that are aged, blind, or disabled who meet SSA criteria and have little or no income by providing monthly cash payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

For additional information visit www.ssa.gov.