SSD

• SSD is for people who have been in the workforce and have accrued Social Security credits through their Social Security taxes.
  
  

SSI

• SSI is for people who are blind, 65 years old or older, or disabled people who have little or no financial resources. It provides money for food, clothing and shelter. Disabled children can qualify for benefits. It is not paid through Social Security taxes, so no minimum Social Security credits are required.
  
  

Payments

• SSD payments begin after you have been disabled for five months. You receive payment on the sixth month.
  
  

Eligibility

• You remain eligible for SSD as long as your medical condition has not improved to the point you can work. If you do any kind of work, your benefits cease. SSI allows you to work, but if your salary exceeds certain limits, your benefits will be reduced accordingly. If it exceeds other limits, your benefits will cease altogether.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• After two years of SSD, you might be eligible for Medicare. If your SSD payments do not exceed a certain level, you might also be eligible for SSI.