Types of
Social Security
Benefits
There are several kinds of disability benefits for which a person can be eligible. Depending on the facts, you may be entitled to one of these benefits, or you may be entitled to more than one.
The medical rules are the same for all categories. You must be just as disabled to qualify for one type of benefit as for another. The non-medical requirements are different for each category.
Social Security Administration
(SSA) will generally have you file for the correct program(s).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have limited financial needs. SSI payments are also made to people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet certain qualifications.
Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI)
SSDI is provided to someone who has worked long enough, recently enough, and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings and are now unable to work.
Childhood SSI (SSIC)
SSIC may provide cash payments to children who are disabled and whose families have limited financial needs.
Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB)
The Childhood Disability Benefits provides financial support to those individuals who are not liable to SSI or SSDI benefits but became disabled before the age of 22 and have an eligible parent who themselves is disabled or retired.
Disability Widow/Widower Benefits (DWB)
Disability Widow/Widower Benefits are for surviving spouses and divorced surviving spouses who were married for at least 10 years and have not remarried. They can receive this based on their deceased spouse's work record.
Have Questions?
The process can be confusing, intimidating, and frustrating... but it doesn't have to be. If you have questions about these disability benefits, reach out to me.