Social Security Benefits vs. Disability Benefits

• Social Security Benefits: These are retirement benefits that you receive when you reach the required age (typically 62 or older). These benefits are based on your work history and the number of credits you’ve earned through your employment.
• Disability Benefits (SSDI): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. SSDI benefits are also based on your work history and the number of work credits you’ve earned over the years. The key difference is that SSDI benefits are for people who have become disabled before reaching retirement age.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a need-based program that provides benefits to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI doesn’t require a work history, and eligibility is based on financial need rather than work credits.

Receiving Both Social Security and Disability Benefits

In certain circumstances, you might qualify for both Social Security retirement benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) simultaneously. Here's how it works:

• If you’re receiving SSDI: If you’ve been approved for SSDI and you reach retirement age (usually 65), your disability benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits. However, the amount you receive won’t change — you’ll just start receiving your benefits under the retirement program instead of SSDI.
• If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits: If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits and later become disabled, you may not need to apply for SSDI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will treat you as though you are already receiving retirement benefits, so in most cases, you won’t qualify for SSDI if you’re already getting regular Social Security benefits.
• Receiving SSI and SSDI: It’s also possible to receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time. This typically happens when a person is low-income and disabled, but their SSDI benefits alone don’t provide enough income to cover living expenses. SSI is designed to supplement SSDI, ensuring that individuals with limited financial resources can still meet their basic needs. However, there are strict income and resource limits for SSI eligibility.

Impact of Social Security Benefits on Disability

• Retirement Benefits: If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits and are later approved for disability benefits, your retirement benefits may not change unless you are already receiving SSDI. In such cases, your disability benefits could convert to retirement benefits once you reach the full retirement age.
• Working While Receiving Benefits: If you are receiving SSDI, you can work, but there are limits on how much you can earn before your disability benefits are affected. The SSA defines the threshold for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and if your income exceeds this limit, you may lose your SSDI benefits.
• However, if you are receiving SSI, working will also impact your eligibility, but SSI has different income and resource limits. You’ll need to report any earned income to the SSA to avoid overpayments.

Can You Get Social Security Disability if You Already Receive Social Security?

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits and you become disabled before reaching your full retirement age, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. However, once you reach retirement age, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert into Social Security retirement benefits, and you will no longer receive SSDI as a separate program.

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your SSDI claim may not be relevant unless you experience a significant change in your disability status.

What Happens When You Qualify for Both SSDI and SSI?

In some cases, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI. This can happen when your SSDI benefits aren’t enough to cover your basic living expenses, and you also meet the income and asset criteria for SSI. The combination of both programs will allow you to receive additional financial support.

How to Apply for Both Social Security and Disability Benefits

If you believe you qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both, you can apply directly with the Social Security Administration:

• Online: You can apply online for SSDI and SSI on the SSA’s official website www.ssa.gov.
• In person: You can visit your local Social Security office to apply in person.
• By phone: You can apply by calling the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213.