Social Security Retirement Benefits vs. Disability Benefits

One key question is whether you can get Social Security retirement benefits and Disability benefits simultaneously. Here’s how the two programs work:

• Social Security Retirement: You qualify for Social Security retirement benefits when you reach the eligible age (currently 62, with full retirement age depending on your birth year). If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security during your career, you are eligible for these benefits.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI provides benefits to people who have a disability that prevents them from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You need to have paid into Social Security through your work history to qualify for SSDI.

So, if you are disabled but still working, you can apply for SSDI benefits. If you’re already receiving retirement benefits, you generally cannot receive both retirement and disability benefits at the same time. However, if you qualify for SSDI before reaching full retirement age, you would begin receiving SSDI benefits, and when you turn 65, your benefits would automatically convert to retirement benefits.

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

It’s also possible to qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits, but this depends on your financial situation:

• SSDI: As mentioned, SSDI benefits are for individuals who are disabled and have paid into Social Security.
• SSI: SSI is a needs-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources. It does not require a work history, but you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability and have limited financial resources to qualify.

If your SSDI benefit amount is low enough, you may also be eligible for SSI to make up the difference, provided your income and resources meet the SSI financial eligibility guidelines. In this case, you would receive both SSDI and SSI. The amount of SSI you receive would be reduced by the amount of your SSDI benefits, but it can help you meet your basic needs if your SSDI alone isn’t enough.

Can You Receive Social Security and Workers’ Compensation Together?

If you receive Workers' Compensation benefits because you were injured on the job, you may be wondering if you can still receive Social Security Disability benefits. The answer is yes, but there are limits. The SSA has a formula to ensure that your combined benefits (Social Security and Workers’ Compensation) do not exceed a certain amount, so your Social Security Disability benefits could be reduced if you are receiving significant Workers' Compensation payments.

Special Programs for Veterans and Disability Benefits

Veterans who are disabled may also qualify for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. If you receive VA benefits and are also eligible for Social Security Disability, you may be able to receive both. However, the VA benefits will not affect your eligibility for Social Security Disability, as they are separate programs.

Working While Receiving Social Security Disability

If you’re receiving SSDI, there are work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing your benefits. For example, the Trial Work Period allows you to work for up to nine months without your benefits being affected, as long as you are earning below a certain threshold. After this period, your benefits could be reduced or stopped if you continue working and your income exceeds the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025.