The two most common types of disability benefits in the United States are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they have different eligibility requirements and provide different types of assistance.

One question that frequently arises is whether it is possible to receive both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. The answer is yes, but it is not common.

SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a qualified number of years but are now unable to work due to a disability. To be eligible for SSDI, a person must have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months and prevent them from doing any substantial gainful activity. The amount of the monthly benefit is based on the person’s earnings and contributions over their working life.

SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. To be eligible for SSI, a person must have a disability that prevents them from doing any substantial gainful activity and meet strict household income and asset requirements.
If a person’s SSDI benefit falls below the federal maximum for SSI, they may be eligible to receive both benefits. This is known as “concurrent” SSDI/SSI benefits. However, it is important to note that receiving both SSDI and SSI benefits is not common. If a person is eligible for concurrent benefits, their SSI cannot exceed the federal benefit rate (FBR), which has been set at $914 for 2023. Accordingly, if someone’s SSDI payment falls below the FBR, they might qualify for additional SSI benefits up to that amount, provided they otherwise are eligible based on financial need requirements.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two types of disability benefit programs” Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While both programs provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, they have different eligibility criteria and benefits.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for SSI and SSDI differ based on the applicant’s work history, income, and assets. SSDI benefits are available to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. To qualify for SSDI, an applicant must have earned enough Social Security credits through their work history. The number of credits required depends on the applicant’s age at the time they became disabled. Generally, an applicant must have worked for at least five of the last ten years and earned a total of 20 quarterly credits to be eligible for SSDI. Your benefits are not limited by your assets or other household income.

For those individuals that lack work credits under SSDI, SSI benefits are available to persons with limited income and resources who are unable to work in any capacity due to a disability. Under SSI eligibility criteria, the SSA considers an applicant’s income and resources, including other household income, savings, investments, family contributions and property.

Benefits

The benefits provided by SSI and SSDI also differ. SSDI benefits are based on the applicant’s work history and the amount of Social Security taxes they have paid over time. The amount of the monthly benefit payment varies based on the applicant’s earnings history.

In contrast, SSI benefits are based on a maximum federal benefit rate. As of 2022, the SSI cap is $794 per month for an individual. However, the actual benefit payment amount may be reduced based on an applicant’s other household income and resources.

If you’re your application for benefits has been denied, it is important to consult with an experienced disability attorney to determine your appeal options. My offices offers free case evaluations for Virginia residents. Call 804-440-6557 to schedule an initial consultation.