This article was originally published on June 12, 2025 on the Social Security Matters website.
Social Security has 2 disability programs – one based on work, the other based on need.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays monthly benefits if you have paid into Social Security through your job and have a disabling condition that prevents you from working. Your benefits are based on your earnings from work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and few resources. Note: If you’re 65 or older, you may be eligible for SSI if you meet certain income and resource limits. You don’t have to have a disabling condition.
Our adult definition of disability is the same for both SSDI and SSI. You must have a medical condition that:
- Is expected to last at least 1 year or result in death.
- Prevents you from doing “substantial gainful activity”, SGA. For people who are not blind, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $1,620.
To learn if you or someone you know may be eligible for one or both disability programs, visit our Benefits webpage.
How can you apply for SSDI?
You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if:
- You are age 18 or older and have a my Social Security account.
- You do not receive benefits on your own Social Security earnings record.
- Your previous disability application was denied more than 60 days ago.
How can you apply for SSI?
Applying for SSI is now easier with our simplified online application, which includes a streamlined version of the initial SSI application. In the past, adults could apply online for SSDI and select only the “intent to file for SSI” option.
You can use our online application to apply for SSI if you:
- Are age 18-64 years and 10 months and are applying for both SSI and SSDI.
- Have a my Social Security account.
- Have never been married.
- Have never applied for SSI for yourself or a child.
- Are a U.S. citizen. Note: Some noncitizens may be able to use the online application if they meet SSI eligibility requirements.
You can easily create a personal Please share this information with others who may want to apply for disability benefits or SSI for themselves or a child – and post it on social media. Social Security account if you don’t have one. If you can’t apply online for SSDI or SSI, you must make an appointment to complete the application by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Please share this information with others who may want to apply for disability benefits or SSI for themselves or a child – and post it on social media.
