Social Security Basics - Social Security benefits provide a
critical safety net for millions of Americans, including many
with PD. - Administered by the U.S. Social Security
Administration there are two key sources of government paid
(income) benefits for people with disabilities: 1. The first is
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), which “pays benefits
to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and
paid Social Security taxes.” 2. The second is Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), which “pays benefits to disabled adults
and children who have limited income and resources.” - In
addition, persons who have been entitled to Social Security
benefits for 24 months are eligible for free Medicare benefits.
- The Medicare health benefit can be invaluable to PWPs. - For
most people, the medical requirements for disability payments
are the same under both SSDI and SSI, and disability is
determined by the same process. - In either case, SSA asks for
information about your medical condition, work and