Disability Q & A
1) Is there a way to apply for disability benefits without going in to my local Social Security office?
Yes. By calling Social Security at their toll free number 1-800-313-0213 you will be able to set up an appointment to have your application taken over the phone.
2) What is the difference between Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
The basic difference between the two is that eligibility for SSDI is determined upon the amount of quarters you have worked. A quarter is defined as a 3 month period. As a general rule, in order to be eligible for SSDI, one must have worked a total of 5 of the last 10 years or 20 quearters, in order to be elgible for SSDI. SSI is for those who have never worked and find themselves disabled or who have not worked enough quarters to meet the eligibility requirments for SSDI. In addition to being disabled, in order to be eleigible for SSI one must have very little if any resources.