Eligibility Requirements

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): To qualify for SSDI, you must have a work history and have paid into the Social Security system through FICA taxes (Federal Insurance Contributions Act). Specifically, you need to have worked a sufficient number of years and earned enough work credits to qualify. The number of credits you need depends on your age at the time of disability. In general, you need at least 20 credits earned over the last 10 years.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): SSI, on the other hand, is based on financial need rather than work history. It is designed for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, you do not need a work history to qualify for SSI. SSI is intended for low-income individuals who are either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and who have very limited financial means.

Funding and Contribution

• SSDI:
  SSDI benefits are funded through payroll taxes that workers pay into the Social Security system while they are employed. If you qualify for SSDI, you will receive benefits based on your work history and your contributions to Social Security.
• SSI:
  SSI benefits are funded by general revenue (i.e., tax dollars) and are not tied to your work history. SSI is a needs-based program that provides a monthly stipend to those with disabilities who meet the income and resource limits set by the SSA.

Benefit Amounts

• SSDI:
  The amount you receive from SSDI is based on your lifetime earnings. The more you have earned and paid into the Social Security system during your working years, the higher your SSDI benefits will be. SSDI benefits are typically higher than SSI benefits.
• SSI:
  SSI benefits are designed to meet basic needs and are usually lower than SSDI benefits. The monthly amount you can receive depends on the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which is adjusted annually. For 2025, the FBR is $914 for individuals and $1,371 for couples. The exact amount may vary based on your state’s additional SSI payments.

Medical Coverage

• SSDI:
  Once you qualify for SSDI, you are eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from the time you begin receiving benefits. This is one of the key advantages of SSDI for individuals who require medical care.
• SSI:
  SSI recipients are generally eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage, regardless of the 24-month waiting period. Medicaid eligibility typically begins as soon as you qualify for SSI.

Work and Income Limits

• SSDI:
  With SSDI, you can work while receiving benefits, but there are limits to how much you can earn. This is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If you earn above a certain monthly income, which is $1,470 for non-blind individuals in 2025, the SSA may consider that you are able to work and may terminate your benefits.
• SSI:
  For SSI, there are strict income and asset limits. If your income exceeds a certain threshold (currently $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples in 2025), or if you have more than a specified amount of resources (like savings, property, or other assets), you may not qualify for SSI. The SSA also considers your living situation and other sources of income when determining eligibility.

Impact of Employment

• SSDI:
  SSDI recipients can work while receiving benefits, but their ability to continue receiving benefits will depend on how much they earn. If you engage in substantial gainful activity (earning above the SGA limit), your SSDI benefits may be stopped. However, SSDI offers a trial work period, allowing you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
• SSI:
  With SSI, your eligibility is more closely tied to your income and resources. If you start earning more than the allowable limit, you may lose your SSI benefits. There are also work incentives that allow you to continue receiving a portion of your benefits while transitioning back into work.