There are two different types of Social Security benefits for disabled adults, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Insurance is commonly called Social Security Disability.  In order to receive Social Security Disability, a person must prove that they are disabled, and that they have worked long enough to qualify for the program. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not require a work history.  Instead, a person claiming SSI benefits must show that they are disabled, and meet certain income requirements.