Not to be confused with SSDI, Supplemental Security Income is decided by your current income (or household income) level rather than the amount of time you’ve been in the American workforce. If you can prove you have a disability that keeps you from earning a steady income, it does not matter how long you’ve held a job. You simply need to show that you cannot earn a living wage and that your assets (things like stocks, bonds, and cash from checking and savings) do not exceed a certain amount.

Note that household income does factor in for SSI. If an individual is severely disabled and cannot work, but their spouse makes enough income, then they will not be SSI-eligible.

It is also possible for someone to qualify for both types if they have enough work credits required for SSDI and their income and assets fall into the lower level required for SSI. In this case, be aware that final amounts of your monthly disability pay may vary from what is listed in your Notice of Award.