Understanding SSDI and SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• SSDI is based on your work history.
• To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits by paying into Social Security through employment.
• Your SSDI benefit amount depends on your past earnings, not your current income or financial resources.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• SSI is a needs-based program.
• It’s designed to help individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65.
• Unlike SSDI, your work history doesn’t matter for SSI eligibility — your financial situation does.

When Can You Get Both SSI and SSDI?

You can qualify for both SSDI and SSI if:

• Your SSDI benefit is low: If your monthly SSDI payments are relatively small because of a limited work history or low past earnings, you might also qualify for SSI to supplement your income.
• You meet the financial eligibility criteria for SSI: Even if you’re receiving SSDI, your income and assets must fall below the SSI limits.

Receiving both benefits at the same time is called receiving concurrent benefits.

How Concurrent Benefits Work

Here’s a simple example:

• If your SSDI monthly payment is less than the maximum SSI monthly rate (which is $943 for an individual in 2024), you might receive an SSI payment that makes up the difference.
• SSI will evaluate your total income, including SSDI and any other sources, to calculate how much additional SSI you can receive.
• Medicare and Medicaid: If you get SSDI, you will qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid immediately.

Important Factors That Affect Eligibility

Several factors impact whether you can get both benefits:

• Other Income: If you have additional income, it can reduce or eliminate your SSI payment.
• Assets: SSI has strict limits on the assets you can own — no more than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples, excluding certain items like your home or car.
• Living Arrangements: Where and with whom you live can affect your SSI amount.
• State Supplements: Some states provide additional SSI payments, which can vary.

How to Apply for Both SSI and SSDI

When you apply for SSDI, the Social Security Administration will also determine if you are eligible for SSI. You don’t need to file separate applications.

The process involves:

• Providing medical evidence of your disability.
• Disclosing financial information including assets, savings, and other income.
• Keeping documentation organized for both types of benefits.

It’s important to be honest and thorough when filling out your applications to avoid unnecessary delays.

What Happens If You Qualify for Both?

If you qualify for concurrent benefits:

• You will receive two types of payments each month — one for SSDI and one for SSI.
• Your SSI amount may fluctuate depending on changes in your SSDI amount or other income changes.
• You must report changes in income, assets, or living arrangements to the SSA immediately to avoid penalties or overpayments.