Bernadette Burick, Attorney At Law

SSDI (Social Security Disability)
Social Security Disability benefits or SSD (also referred to as SSDI) are paid to disabled individuals who have worked in the recent years. Usually you have to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years. For individuals under 31 years old, the requirements are a little different since they have not been in the work force as long. 

SSI Disability - Supplemental Security Income benefits
Supplemental Security Income benefits or SSI are paid to individuals who are lower level income individuals/families and disabled whether or not the individual has worked in the past. SSI child's disability benefits are paid to children who are under 18 years old, are disabled and the parents or guardian are lower level income

Under the federal Social Security Disability Act, "disability" means the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physician or mental impairment which can be expected to last  for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death."

You should file as soon as it is determined that you will not be able to work during the next 12 months or your condition is expected to lead to death. However Social Security is not a short term disability. Therefore if you have an accident where you cannot work for several days or even a few months, you will not be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits.