SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE

Social Security Disability Benefits

More than 4 million disabled workers under 65 and 1.6 million dependents (including more than a million children) receive Social Security. The average monthly payment to a disabled worker is about $660; for a disabled worker with a spouse and two or more children, the average payment is about $1,100.

Also, a worker who receives disability payments for two years becomes eligible for Medicare.

Social Security and SSI Are Different Programs

When people talk about disability benefits, there is often confusion about Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). The confusion arises because the Social Security Administration administers both programs. But the programs are different.

Social Security disability insuranceis a program that workers, employers, and the self-employed pay for with their Social Security taxes. You qualify for these benefits based on your work history, and the amount of your benefit is based on your earnings.

SSI is a program financed through general tax revenues-not through Social Security trust funds. SSI disability benefits are paid to people who have a disability and who don't own much or have a lot of income.