Can You Get SSDI And SSI Benefits At The Same Time?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two disability programs administered by the Social Security program. They both have different requirements, but you may wonder: is it possible to qualify for both and receive benefit payments from both sources?

Technically, yes, you can get SSDI and SSI benefits concurrently, but it’s a rare occurrence. That’s because they have different eligibility criteria. Plus, they have different intentions, with SSI geared toward low-income recipients who are disabled. SSDI, on the other hand, covers everyone regardless of financial situation.

Both SSDI and SSI provide benefits to those who are considered disabled. A disability is defined as a physical or mental health condition that is so severe that it prevents a person from working and it is terminal or expected to last for at least one year.

To qualify for SSDI, you must have 40 work credits. Work credits are given for continuous work in which you pay Social Security taxes. Your SSDI payment amounts are based on your earnings.

To qualify for SSI, you need to have a financial need. Those who are blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old qualify, if they have low incomes and limited resources. For 2022, the income limits are $841 a month for individuals and $1,261 a month for couples. You can receive SSI even if you have never worked or paid any taxes.

So if you get an SSDI payment, that would count toward your SSI income. However, $20 is exempt from the total, so you can receive up to $861 a month in SSDI and still qualify for SSI. However, your SSI payment will be reduced based on how much money you are receiving from SSDI. Both payments will be capped by the SSI maximum, so if you want to receive SSI, the most you could receive from both sources would be a total of $861 per month.

With that said, is it worth it to draw from both sources? Maybe. It would largely depend on your work history. If you had a low-wage job or worked for only a short time before becoming disabled, your SSDI benefit will be low. SSI can serve as an additional income source until you are physically or mentally able to return to work.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits 

If you get SSDI, you may be entitled to even more benefits. Don’t lose out on your rights to compensation.

The White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon understands the laws involved and knows how to help you maximize your benefits. To schedule a free initial consultation, fill out the online form or call (914) 228-1770.

Source:

aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/can-you-get-both-ssdi-and-ssi/