• If you become disabled before retirement, you may qualify for Social Security benefits.Roll of dollars image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the US Social Security Administration (SSA), 30 percent of adults become disabled before retirement. Originally Social Security was a retirement program for the elderly, but has expanded to cover those who are disabled. Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may qualify for Social Security benefits.
  
  

Social Security Disability Insurance Program

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to persons who are over 18 years of age. Before you can file for SSDI, you must pass a recent and duration work test. Generally, it is required that a person work at least a year and a half before the disability to qualify. Once these tests are passed, the SSA determines your eligibility by evaluating the severity of the disease, whether you can return to your previous position or any other employment.
  
  

Supplemental Security Income

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), is for low-income persons who are over 65, blind or disabled. Income limits vary by state, but your home, car, food stamps, college scholarships and heating assistance don't count as income. SSI payments can only be made to those living in the United States.
  
  

Social Security Disablity Benefits for Children

• Children qualify for Social Security benefits by being disabled or having a disabled parent. SSI is available for disabled children under 18 years of age who have a limited income. Children who have a disabled parent may qualify for SSDI, if they are unmarried and under the age of 18. Grand- and step-children may also qualify.
  
  

Social Security Disability Benefits for Spouses

• Spouses and ex-spouses over 62 and those caring for children under 16 may qualify for SSDI benefits. Those over 62, however, receive it only if the disability benefit is greater than their Social Security payment.