What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, provided they have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through past employment.

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for individuals who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits are available to people who are disabled, blind, or elderly (aged 65 or older) and who meet certain financial requirements. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history.

How Can You Receive Both SSDI and SSI Benefits at the Same Time?

You may be eligible to receive both SSDI and SSI if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. Here’s how it works:

You Qualify for SSDI but Your Monthly SSDI Payments Are Low

• In some cases, individuals who qualify for SSDI may not receive enough money from the program to meet the federal poverty threshold. If this is the case, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may provide additional SSI benefits to bring your total monthly income up to the poverty level.
• This can happen if your SSDI payment is low due to a short work history or lower lifetime earnings. In this situation, you may be able to receive both SSDI and SSI to meet your basic living expenses.

You Meet the Income and Resource Requirements for SSI

• While SSDI eligibility depends on your work history and disability, SSI eligibility is based on your income and resources. You must have limited income and resources to qualify for SSI benefits.
• If your income from SSDI is not enough to disqualify you from SSI (which is typically the case for individuals with lower SSDI payments), you can receive both benefits.

Eligibility for Concurrent Benefits

• If you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, the SSA will consider your SSDI payments when calculating your SSI eligibility. The SSDI benefits you receive will reduce the amount of SSI you are eligible to receive, but you can still qualify for additional SSI payments.
• The total amount of benefits you receive from both programs combined will not exceed the federal benefit rate (FBR) for SSI, but you may receive additional benefits if your SSDI payment is lower than the SSI FBR.

How the SSA Determines Your Concurrent Benefits

When you apply for both SSDI and SSI, the SSA will determine if you qualify for both based on your medical condition, work history, income, and resources. Here’s the process:

• Medical Eligibility: First, the SSA will review your medical condition to determine if you meet the criteria for Social Security Disability.
• Income and Resource Test: For SSI, the SSA will assess your income, savings, and other resources. You must meet the income limits and have limited resources to qualify for SSI benefits.
• Total Benefit Calculation: If you are approved for both SSDI and SSI, the SSA will calculate how much SSI you are eligible to receive based on your SSDI amount. SSI benefits are adjusted accordingly, and your combined benefits will not exceed the maximum allowable amount.

What to Do if You Think You Qualify for Both SSDI and SSI

If you believe you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI, it’s important to apply for both programs at the same time. Here’s what you should do:

• Complete the SSDI Application: Start by applying for SSDI through the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You’ll need to provide information about your work history and medical condition.
• Apply for SSI: In addition to applying for SSDI, you can apply for SSI benefits at the same time. The SSA will evaluate your eligibility for both programs based on your income, resources, and medical condition.
• Provide All Necessary Documentation: Ensure that you provide all necessary medical records, financial documents, and other required information to support your applications.