If you are not eligible for disability benefits because you have not worked enough prior to becoming disabled, you may qualify for SSI payments instead. Supplemental Security Income is a disability benefit paid by Social Security based on need. Here is what you need to know about qualifying for SSI disability benefits.

Supplemental Security Income is a disability program for individuals that meet certain income requirements in addition to the disability requirements. Because SSI is needs based Social Security limits the value of the resources you can own to qualify. A resource is considered any money you have in the bank, vehicles you own, or property other than the home you are living in. Social Security does not count your primary residence or one vehicle against your resource limit. This resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples receiving SSI payments.

To qualify for SSI you must submit an application and be evaluated by your State. The evaluation by the State typically takes 120 days. If you are approved your SSI payments will start as soon as your local Social Security office contacts you. To learn more about disability benefits and how to qualify, visit the website Social Security Laid Bare using the links below.