Social Security's Definition of Disability

The inability to do any work, no matter how simple or sedentary, caused by a condition that is expected to last a period of twelve months or result in death.

If you meet the definition of disability you may be eligible for one or both of the following benefits:

Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI) Benefits

RSDI is based on how much you have worked and paid into Social Security. To be eligible for this benefit you generally must have worked and paid into Social Security five out of the last ten years or 20 out of the last 40 quarters. There are other eligibility factors for children, very young workers, spouses and widows.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

SSI is federally appropriated by Congress bi-annually. SSI is based on household income, assets and titles to property. To qualify for SSI an individual must have a very low combined household income and very minimal resources.