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For individuals who have a disability and satisfy the prescribed medical criteria, there are Federal Programs available to provide assistance to these people. The Social Security Administration implements two programs for the welfare of such disabled people.

Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income

Social Security Disability Insurance

Disability can affect any person though one may feel it affects only others. But there are very high chances of one becoming disabled. Studies have shown that a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before he reaches retirement age.

This Insurance provides a safety net to fall back on should we become disabled. This disability planner will explain the benefits provided, how can one qualify and who can receive benefits on your earnings record. It will also explain procedures to apply for the benefits and what happens when your application is approved.

Supplemental Security Income

This is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues but not under Social Security taxes. It is mainly formulated to help aged, blind and disabled people, who have little or absolutely no income and as such it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. This is applicable to for those who are aged more than 65 years and are either blind or disabled. Not only they have a limited income, they must also be a US Citizen. He must be a resident in one of the 50 States and is not outside the country for more than 30 consecutive days. Individuals under 18 years age are considered "disabled" if he has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which results in marked and severe functional limitations and can be expected to result in death or the disability can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. If the individual is older than 18 years, then an additional definition of disability applies, in which case the individual is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity. It is also applicable to qualified aliens. The SSI limits resources at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

Remember, when you apply for either program, they will collect medical reports and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you are eligible and meet Social Security's definition of disability.

More information can be had from there Social Security Online Government website: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/