Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are separate benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration. Both programs require that a claimant be disabled, according to established criteria, in order to be eligible for benefits. The disability criteria are the same for both programs. The primary difference between the two programs is that SSDI is a disability insurance system, in which benefits are based on wage withholdings paid into Social Security, while SSI is a needs-based disability program.

SSDI benefits are available to those claimants who are disabled and who have paid into the Social Security system through wage withholdings. In most cases, an individual is covered by SSDI if he has worked five of the past ten years. If a worker becomes disabled, benefits are paid in an amount based on a formula established by the Social Security Administration. The amount of the monthly benefits is the same as if the claimant had retired at full retirement age (65 or older). In most cases, a worker remains insured for SSDI benefits for a period of five years after she stops working and sufficient withholdings are no longer paid into the system.

SSI benefits are available to those people who are disabled and who meet certain financial criteria. A claimant’s income and assets must not exceed certain limitations in order to be eligible. SSI benefits are not intended for those workers who have paid into the system through wage withholdings, and the amount of the benefits is not as great as SSDI benefits.