Inability to work can cause serious financial issues. Fortunately, the government offers several different programs to help those in need who cannot work due to various reasons.
Social Security Disability Income or SSDI
SSDI pays out monthly benefits to people who cannot work due to a medical condition that has prohibited them from working for a minimum of one year.
In order to quality, the medical condition must have significant effect on an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks. SSDI also requires a certain number of years in the work force—which varies based on age—prior to qualifying.
Once approved, benefit amounts will vary from person to person depending on lifetime earnings.
Supplemental Security Income or SSI
SSI differs from SSDI, as the individual does not need a specific work history to qualify. This program provides monetary aid to people who are disabled, such as blind or deaf, or are over the age of 65. In some cases, some individuals may be able to collect both SSDI and SSI.
Veteran Benefits
Veteran benefits differ from both SSDI and SSI, as this form of financial aid is only available to those who are veterans. Applications for veteran benefits must be sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs, or DVA.
For the DVA, a veteran can qualify for monetary assistant if he or she is a minimum of 10 percent disabled or if the cause of disability is related to their military service.
