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Folks, Here is a summary: SSA = old age pension for people over 62/65(partial at 62, full at 65) who have worked and paid into the system. The amount is based upon their average wages and the highest quarter of wages (I do not understand the formula, I just know that you must have worked and paid into the Social Security System to get SSA). SSA makes medicare available to you, however like all insurances you must pay a premium (usually deducted from your SSA check). SSDI = disability pension for people of any age who have worked and paid into the Social Security System (again, I donot understand the formula, but it is based upon your average wages and highest quarter). If you have paid into the system and are declared by Social Security to be totally disabled for 12 continuous months or more you can receive SSDI for the period of time you are unable to work. (being disabled is unable to work and earn 'significant' wages--$500 or more per month) After being on SSDI for 24month and expecting to continue you become elgible for medicare, again with a premium that will be deducted from your monthly checks. SSI = Supplimental Security Insurance. This is given to disabled and elderly (total disability or 62/65+) who do not receive other funds adding to the minimum needed to survive (currently $626 per month according to Social Security). This is real "welfare" as a person need not have ever paid into the system to get it. There are many restrictions on it. A person cannot have more than $2000 in assets including cash, bank accounts, vehicles (except one for personal use), land (except the home you live in), and other things. This is really for those people who have absolutely nothing. It also includes automatically Medacaid (in CA Medical). For both SSDI and SSI disability must be proved. It must inclulde proof that the disability is not correctable through medication or surgery. If it is correctable then one is not elgible because the person is really not incapable of working. This seems to be the part in question on the list. This is a 'brief' summary of what Social Security is about. If you still have questions do not hesitate to write to me. I enjoy helping people, especially with information. don't forget how to laugh Marling McReynolds Director, SHCRC, the People Center Box 1999, Redway, CA 95560 77 Avenue of the Giants Phone: 707-923-5220 Fax: 707-923-5221 E-Mail: [log in to unmask] webpage= http://www.humboldt.net/~shcrc/ and at play: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/4895 [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]