"NEVER WORKED A DAY BUT GETS DISABILITY BENEFITS"

There are a lot of myths, legends, superstitions and stories about Social Security disability and how it works. One of my favorites is the street legend that we hear a lot: "He never worked a day in his life but he still gets Social Security disability checks."

Of course, this is simply not possible. In order to be covered for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) a person must have worked and earned a minimum number of work credits. For most individuals, they must have worked at least 5 years out the most recent 10-year period to be covered or "insured" by Social Security's Title II, which can pay a disability benefit. Without work credits, no SSDI benefit is possible.

Part of the confusion lies in the fact that people confuse Social Security disability (SSDI) with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a welfare program for the very poor who are either elderly or disabled, under Title XVI. SSI requires no work history. Because SSI is administered through the Social Security Administration, in cooperation with the state government, many folks confuse it with Social Security Disability (SSDI) under Title 2. But SSI is not part of the Social Security disability program. It's really an income based program for the needy.

Here is a comparison or contrast of the 2 programs:

SSDI (Title 2) SSI (Title 16)

Paid for by workers who pay FICA tax Requires no work and no tax

Has no income restrictions to get benefits Has severe income restrictions

No restrictions on claimant's financial resources Severe restrictions on resources

Maximum benefit can be over $3,000 per mo. Maximum benefit is $791/mo.

Comes with Medicare after the waiting period Medicaid with no waiting period

Funds paid by the Social Security Trust Fund Pays from government tax revenue

Requires only proof of disability Requires proof of disability AND

proof of dire financial need

Administered by Social Security Admin. Same - also run through SSA