There are two types of disability programs run by the Social Security Administration :
- A "work history" disability program (SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance)
- A need-based disability program (SSI = Supplemental Security Insurance)
Of the two programs, SSDI is the more flexible in that you can receive benefits regardless of your income and assets. SSI payments are limited based on your income and assets. Also, under SSI, you must report changes in your living arrangements and income.
However, to qualify for SSDI, you must have a sufficient work history. For example, someone age 50 must have worked at least seven years, with five years of recent work. For someone age 27, you would need three years of work out of the past six years.