What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program designed to help individuals who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65 and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history or payment into the Social Security system. Eligibility for SSI is based on financial need.

• Financial Eligibility: SSI is intended for individuals with limited income and assets. In 2025, the SSI income limit for an individual is $2,000 in assets and $1,913/month in income (this can vary depending on state and individual circumstances).
• Medical Eligibility: You must meet the SSA's definition of disability or blindness to qualify for SSI.

What Is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program for individuals who are disabled and have worked long enough and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. SSDI benefits are based on your work history and how much you have contributed to Social Security during your working years.

• Work History Requirement: To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes during that time. The number of years needed depends on your age when you become disabled.
• Medical Eligibility: You must meet the SSA's disability criteria to qualify for SSDI.

Can You Receive SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time. This typically happens when an individual qualifies for SSDI benefits but their SSDI payments are not enough to bring their income above the SSI financial limits.

This is known as receiving concurrent benefits, and it usually occurs in the following situations:

• Low SSDI Benefits: If your SSDI benefits are low due to a short work history or low lifetime earnings, your total income may not exceed the eligibility limits for SSI. In this case, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI.
• Eligibility for Both Programs: To receive both, you must meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, meaning you must be disabled and meet the SSA's definition of disability, as well as meet the financial eligibility requirements for SSI.

How Does Receiving Both SSDI and SSI Work?

When you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, your SSDI benefits will generally be reduced by the amount of SSI you receive. However, the total amount of benefits you receive will be higher than if you were receiving only SSDI or only SSI.

Here’s how it works:

• SSDI First: If you qualify for SSDI, that benefit is generally paid first. However, if your SSDI payment is low (due to limited work history or low earnings), you may be eligible to receive an SSI top-up to bring your total income up to the SSI federal benefit rate (FBR).
• Income Limitations: SSI benefits are adjusted based on other income you receive, such as SSDI benefits. So, if your SSDI payments are below the SSI income limit, you may receive a full or partial SSI payment in addition to SSDI.
• SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): The FBR for 2025 is $914 per month for individuals and $1,371 per month for couples. If your SSDI payment plus other income is below the FBR, SSI will make up the difference.

How Does Being Approved for Both Affect Your Benefits?

If you qualify for both SSI and SSDI, you may benefit in the following ways:

• Higher Total Monthly Benefits: By combining SSDI and SSI, you will receive more in monthly benefits than you would if you only qualified for one program.
• Medicare and Medicaid: SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits, while SSI recipients may qualify for Medicaid right away, depending on their state. Being approved for both can potentially give you access to both Medicare and Medicaid, depending on the circumstances.