Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income: what are they, and what’s the difference?

You probably already know about Social Security. Congress passed the Social Security Act in 1935 to provide for the needs of workers when they retire, and also to establish a system of unemployment insurance. Social Security retirement benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration, now an independent Federal agency; unemployment insurance is administered by State governments. The Act also provided a system of grants to state governments for disabled, blind, or aged individuals with lower income.

In 1956, Congress amended the Social Security Act to provide benefits to severely disabled workers who were least 50 years of age; in 1960, the law was amended again so younger workers could obtain disability benefits. In 1972, the Federal government took over the system of grants for low-income individuals who are disabled, blind or aged; this system is now known as Supplemental Security Income. Thus, there are two Social Security programs for the disabled: Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB), and Sup­plemental Security Income (SSI).

• Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) is based on work history.
• Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need.

To be eligible for Disability Insurance Benefits, you must also be disabled; to be eligible for SSI, you must be disabled or blind, or have reached the age of 65. Much of the remainder of this discussion explains what it means to be “disabled” under Social Security law.