Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program for individuals who:

• Have a qualifying disability
• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years

This benefit is based on your work history and the amount you’ve contributed to Social Security over time. SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare after 24 months.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is designed for individuals with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. To qualify, you must be:

• Disabled, blind, or age 65+
• Meet the income and asset limits set by the Social Security Administration

SSI payments are typically lower than SSDI and may also make you eligible for Medicaid immediately.

Veterans Disability Compensation

If you’re a veteran with a service-connected injury or illness, you may qualify for tax-free monthly compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Key features include:

• Compensation based on the severity of your disability (rated from 0% to 100%)
• Additional benefits for dependents
• Eligibility for VA healthcare and other support services

Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance

These benefits are typically offered through employers or purchased privately.

• Short-Term Disability (STD) provides partial income for a few weeks or months after an injury or illness
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) covers extended absences from work, often kicking in after STD expires

These policies usually cover non-work-related injuries and conditions.

State Disability Insurance (Where Available)

Some states offer temporary disability benefits through state-run programs. These benefits typically:

• Replace a portion of your income if you can’t work due to a non-work-related illness or injury
• Require recent work history and contributions to the state fund

States with disability programs include California, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, and Rhode Island.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ comp is a form of employer-sponsored insurance that provides:

• Medical treatment
• Wage replacement
• Rehabilitation services

You may be eligible if you were injured on the job or developed a work-related illness.

Disability Benefits for Children and Adults with Special Needs

Programs like SSI and Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) support:

• Children under 18 with qualifying disabilities
• Adults who became disabled before age 22 and have a parent who is retired, disabled, or deceased



These benefits aim to assist low-income families in caring for dependents with disabilities.