The Social Security Administration (SSA) provided disability benefits to 1 0. 9 million individuals with disabilities and their dependents in December 2014 as a part of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.

In addition, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program made

credit:

payments to approximately 7. 2 million low-income individuals who are blind or disabled.

In calendar year 2014, expenditures for the SSDI and SSI programs were $14 1. 6 billion and $49 billion, respectively.

These programs are the Federal structure that provides cash income to individuals who do not have or who have lost the ability to support themselves in the labor market due to one or more permanently disabling conditions.

The objective of the program is to foster new analysis of work, rehabilitation, and disability issues, which may develop innovative and fresh perspectives on disability.

To assist the graduate students, SSA may provide guidance on disability issues that might be fruitful areas for research.