This is a very complicated question. See our blog article on this subject for a complete discussion of the two main types of disability benefits. The basic answer to this question is that the SSA offers two types of disability programs; Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSD is the benefit for those who have paid into the system over a sufficient and recent enough period of time. SSI benefits are for those who have not. To qualify for SSI, you must meet very stringent asset requirements as this benefit is intended for those who are very limited financially.