What are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and how do I become eligible to receive them?

SSI differs from SSDI in that SSI is a type of welfare program for disabled people. You do not have to have worked a certain amount of time in order to be eligible for SSI benefits. Instead, you must meet certain income and asset guidelines. Unlike Disability Insurance Benefits, there is no five-month waiting period before you can receive benefits, but you still must have either an impairment that has lasted or is likely to last at least 12 months, or be 65 or older.