To be eligible you must meet SSA's disability qualifications   In order to be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you must meet the qualifications for one of the disability programs offered by the federal social security administration: 1) SSD, also referred to as Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI), or 2) supplemental security income (SSI). Related: What is qualifying for disability based on? What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits? How does Social Security determine if I am disabled or not? Both SSD and SSI programs are governed by the social security administration, and both are meant to offer financial assistance to those who are disabled. However, past work history and earnings, as well as the value of your current assets, will determine if you are qualified to apply for benefits under either program. SSD benefits The Social Security Disability insurance program is provided for by title 2 of the Social Security Act. It functions very much like any insurance program, in that you must have contributed a certain amount to the fund through past paycheck deductions (in this case, social security taxes) in order to receive benefits. Also, as with other insurance funds, your SSDI coverage will lapse if you do not continue to contribute. However, the social security administration does not measure work in hours, but in something called work credits. Under title 2, anyone who works earns one work credit for every one thousand dollars they earn in three consecutive months, for a maximum of four work credits per year, although this number may be periodically recalculated due to reflect inflation. Most claimants filing for SSD will be required to have earned 20 work credits in the 10 years prior to filing the application, and earned a total of 40 work credits (work credits are calculated differently for some segments of the population, such as veterans and those who are blind). To sum it up, if you have never worked or have not earned enough work credits in the past 10 years, you are not eligible for SSD. SSI benefits The supplemental security income program, or SSI, is provided for by title 16 of the Social Security Act. SSI does not have any work credit requirement, but in order to qualify for this disability program you must demonstrate that you do not currently earn too much. How much is too much? Social security sets a dollar amount that a disabled person is allowed to earn and still be eligible for benefits. Anyone receiving more than this amount each month is said to be engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), and is not eligible for either disability program, SSD or SSI. Like work credits, SGA may be recalculated to reflect inflation, and those who are legally blind are allowed to a higher SGA. Unlike SSDI claimants, those applying for SSI benefits must meet the additional requirement of demonstrating that the value of their total assets, excluding one car, does not exceed $2,000. Those claimants who meet the financial qualifications for either social security program may file a disability application, after which they must begin to gather evidence to demonstrate to the disability examiner assigned to the case that they meet the medical qualifications as well. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? How long does it take to get a disability approval letter? Disability requirements and how to file in North Carolina Will I be approved for disability on my appeal? How long can you receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits? Disability requirements, eligibility, criteria How do you Apply for SSI? Determining Social Security Disability and SSI eligibility What Forms Do You Use to File For Social Security Disability? How a Social Security Disability or SSI award is made What medical conditions do they Award Disability Benefits for?