What Is SSI and SSDI?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

SSI is a need-based program designed to help people who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older and have limited income and resources. It doesn’t require a work history and is intended to provide a safety net for those who meet the financial criteria.

• Eligibility: SSI is based on your income and resources. To qualify, you must have limited income (below a certain threshold) and very few assets.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

SSDI is a program for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain number of years and have a medical condition that prevents you from working.

• Eligibility: SSDI requires you to have a sufficient work history and to have paid Social Security taxes during your employment.

Can You Collect Both SSI and SSDI?

Yes, in some cases, you can collect both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time. This is known as concurrent benefits. However, it depends on your income, work history, and medical condition. Here’s how it works:

When You Can Collect Both SSI and SSDI

If your SSDI benefits are low enough that they do not exceed the income limits for SSI, you may be eligible to receive both benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider your SSDI benefits as income when determining whether you qualify for SSI.

• Example: If your SSDI payments are below the SSI threshold, you may still qualify for SSI to make up the difference, ensuring that you receive a combined total that brings you closer to the maximum SSI payment.

How Concurrent Benefits Work

If you qualify for both SSI and SSDI, your SSDI will be your primary benefit, and SSI will be used to supplement it. However, there are important considerations:

• SSDI Reduces SSI Payments: Your SSDI benefits will be counted as income for SSI, so the amount of your SSI payment will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI benefits.
• Income Limits: The amount of SSI you receive will depend on how much you are receiving from SSDI. If your SSDI benefits are too high, you may lose eligibility for SSI altogether.

SSI and SSDI Eligibility Overlap

The SSA uses different criteria for SSI and SSDI, so it’s important to understand how these criteria overlap and how your benefits will be calculated:

• Income and Resources: SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on your work history. Your eligibility for SSI may depend on your SSDI payment and other income you receive.
• Medicaid and Medicare: While SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period, SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid as soon as they are approved. If you receive both benefits, you may qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, giving you better healthcare coverage.