If you work in the United States of America, you’re required to pay into social security. Many will agree it can be hard to see hard-earned income removed from a paycheck in advance. But for anyone who has lived with a disability or had a loved one afflicted with a disability, the need for a safety net is clear. Disability benefits allow people to take care of themselves and/or their loved ones when disability turns their world upside down. That said, it’s not one-size-fits all.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages several disability benefit programs and decides what it means to be disabled according to federal law. Depending on things like your income, work history, age, situation, and family relationships, you may be eligible for multiple benefit programs — or certain benefits and not others. You may not even be disabled, but dependent on a family member or spouse who lives with a disability. Under the right circumstances, you may be able to access disability pay.

Below, we walk you through the different types of Disability Benefits and who may be eligible for each.

1.1 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

1.2 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

1.3 Disabled Adult Child Benefits

1.4 Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits