Answers for Doctors and Other Health Professionals SSA Pub. Doctors and other health professionals play a major role in ensuring that their patients are aware of the provisions of the Social Security disability programs.
Medical requirements are the same for both programs.
SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and recently enough under the program. Those who have been receiving benefits for at least 24 months also qualify for Medicare coverage. SSI disability payments are made to adults and children with limited income and resources. No prior work is needed. SSI recipients generally qualify for Medicaid, a State-run health assistance program.