What is SSI?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. SSI is typically for people who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI or have little to no income or resources to support themselves.

What is SSDI?

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is an entitlement program that provides benefits to individuals who are disabled and have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes over a period of time. SSDI is designed to help individuals who have a work history but are no longer able to work due to a disability.

Can You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?

Yes, it is possible to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time in a situation known as concurrent benefits. However, to qualify for both programs, the following conditions must be met:

Eligibility for SSDI and SSI:

• You Qualify for SSDI: To qualify for SSDI, you must have a sufficient work history and have paid into the Social Security system through your payroll taxes. You must also meet the definition of disability as set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• You Have Limited Income and Resources: If you are eligible for SSDI, but your SSDI payments are not enough to meet basic living expenses, and you also have limited income and resources, you may qualify for SSI. SSI is a needs-based program, so if your income is below a certain threshold, you can still apply for and receive SSI benefits in addition to your SSDI benefits.
• The "SSDI Income and SSI Needs" Test: If you qualify for SSDI, the amount of SSDI income you receive will be deducted from your SSI benefit amount. Essentially, the SSA will compare your SSDI income to the SSI income limits to determine how much SSI, if any, you are eligible to receive. If your SSDI benefits are low enough, you may still be eligible for SSI to make up the difference.

How the SSA Calculates Concurrent Benefits:

If you are eligible for both SSDI and SSI, the SSA will calculate your SSI benefit amount based on the following:

• SSDI Payment: Your SSDI benefit will be deducted from the SSI maximum monthly benefit. For example, if the maximum SSI payment for an individual is $914 per month (as of 2025), but your SSDI benefit is $700 per month, you could receive an additional $214 per month in SSI benefits to bring your total benefits to the SSI maximum.
• Income and Resources: Your eligibility for SSI will also depend on your income and resources. If you have other sources of income or assets, this could affect how much you qualify for in SSI benefits.
• State-Specific SSI Supplements: Some states offer additional SSI payments, which could further increase your total monthly benefit amount.

What Happens If Your SSDI Benefit Is High Enough?

If your SSDI benefits are high enough that they exceed the SSI income limit, you may not be eligible for SSI. However, if you continue to meet the SSDI disability criteria, you would continue to receive your SSDI benefits, but without the additional SSI payment.

Why Would You Qualify for Both?

There are a few common scenarios in which an individual may qualify for both SSDI and SSI:

• Low SSDI Payments: Some individuals who qualify for SSDI may not have paid enough into the system to qualify for a high SSDI payment. In these cases, they may still be eligible for SSI to bring their monthly income up to the SSI limit.
• Disability at a Young Age: Younger individuals who become disabled may qualify for SSDI based on limited work history but may not have earned enough to receive a substantial SSDI benefit. These individuals may qualify for SSI if they meet the income and resource requirements.
• Transition from SSDI to SSI: If you’re initially approved for SSDI but later find that your SSDI benefits aren’t enough to cover living costs, you could qualify for SSI based on your financial need.