Social Security

Two Social Security programs—Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—may provide monthly income if you are under age 65 and meet the government's strict definition of disability, which is:

• It must be the result of a mental or physical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year, and
• You must not be able to do “substantial” work. This means you are unable to earn more than a specific amount of money each month—$860 in 2006.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If you have held a job and paid Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for monthly payments from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The Social Security statement you receive every year tells you if you qualify for disability income and how much you could receive. It also tells you, if you are eligible for SSDI, whether your spouse and children can get benefits, too. The amount depends on how much you paid in Social Security taxes when you worked. If you need a copy of your statement, call Social Security at 800/772-1213 or visit the Social Security website

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program gives money to adults and children who are disabled, have limited income, do not have much in savings or financial assets and have little or no work history. In 2006, the maximum monthly payment is $603 to an individual and $904 to couples. The amount you receive depends on your situation, including what help you receive from friends and relatives and where you live. People who get SSI usually get food stamps and Medicaid, too. Some states will add money to the amount SSI gives. To find out more, call Social Security at 800/772-1213, or visit the Social Security website

How to Apply for SSDI and SSI

You can apply for SSDI or SSI by scheduling an interview in person at your local Social Security office or over the phone. The person who interviews you will ask for a lot of personal information about you and the conditions that limit your ability to work in order to fill out a Disability Report Form, SSA-3368 Download PDF. You also may fill out the Disability Report Form online and take it to the interview—or mail it to the person who will be interviewing you. It's usually best to apply for benefits with someone at the Social Security office rather than simply submitting an application online. It can take several months to hear if you are approved for SSDI payments so it's a good idea to apply as soon as you leave your job—even if you are getting money from your employer. If approved, your first SSDI check will arrive in the sixth month after Social Security finds you disabled. The first five months are considered an SSDI waiting period and you will not get any SSDI checks during those months. SSI checks can start coming sooner because there is no waiting period for SSI. In fact, if you have limited income or savings, you may get SSI while waiting for SSDI.