---
type: Glossary
title: Disability Benefits Screening Terminology
description: Preferred meanings for key terms used by the website and this knowledge bundle.
resource: https://disabilitybenefitsscreening.com/disability-benefits-glossary
tags: [glossary, terminology, ssdi, ssi, readiness]
generated: { by: openai/gpt-5.6, at: 2026-07-29T14:16:00Z }
status: stable
sources:
  - id: glossary
    resource: https://disabilitybenefitsscreening.com/disability-benefits-glossary
    title: Disability Benefits Glossary
---

# Advocate or Representative

A person or organization that may help someone understand, prepare, present, or pursue a disability claim. Do not assume every advocate is an attorney.

# Disability Benefits

A broad phrase that may refer to SSDI, SSI, or another benefit program depending on context. The phrase alone does not identify the program.

# Eligibility

Whether a person meets the legal and program requirements for a benefit. Disability Benefits Screening does not determine official eligibility.

# Readiness

How complete and organized a person's relevant information appears for preparation purposes. Readiness is not the same as eligibility.

# Readiness Report

An informational summary based on user-supplied answers, including possible missing information and preparation steps.

# Screening

A guided information-gathering and organization process. On this website, "screening" must not be interpreted as an official government decision.

# Social Security Administration

The United States government agency that administers Social Security programs and makes official determinations under its rules. Disability Benefits Screening is not affiliated with SSA.

# SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance, generally connected to insured status and work record, with additional requirements.

# SSI

Supplemental Security Income, a needs-based program with financial and other requirements.