Can You Draw SSI and Disability at the Same Time?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs providing financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to disability. A common question is whether it is possible to receive benefits from both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) simultaneously. Understanding these distinct programs and their eligibility criteria is essential to determine if concurrent benefits are an option.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program providing financial assistance to aged, blind, or disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. SSI is not based on an individual’s work history or prior contributions to Social Security taxes. Its purpose is to ensure a minimum income level for those with significant financial need.

To qualify for SSI, an individual must meet criteria related to age (65 or older), blindness, or disability. The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, or result in death. In 2025, the income and resource limits for SSI are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), conversely, is an earned-benefit program based on an individual’s work history and contributions through Social Security (FICA) taxes. Individuals earn “work credits” that count toward SSDI eligibility. The number of work credits required depends on the individual’s age when their disability began; most adults need at least 20 work credits earned in the 10 years immediately before becoming disabled.

In 2025, an individual earns one work credit for each $1,810 of earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year. Credits accumulate over a working career; a minimum of 40 credits is needed for retirement benefits, with fewer required for disability benefits depending on age. SSDI benefits are calculated based on the individual’s average indexed monthly earnings over their working years.

Qualifying for Both Benefits Simultaneously

Receiving both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time is known as receiving “concurrent benefits.” This scenario is possible when an individual qualifies for SSDI, but their monthly SSDI benefit amount is low enough that they also meet the income and resource limits for SSI. The goal of concurrent benefits is to bring an individual’s total monthly income up to a certain level, rather than providing two full, separate payments.

When determining SSI eligibility for someone also receiving SSDI, the Social Security Administration considers the SSDI payment as “unearned income.” An income exclusion of $20 per month is applied to this unearned income. After this exclusion, the remaining SSDI amount is subtracted from the maximum SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) to determine the SSI payment amount.

For example, in 2025, the maximum monthly SSI Federal Benefit Rate for an eligible individual is $967. If an individual receives a low SSDI payment, such as $400 per month, the SSA would first disregard $20, leaving $380 as countable unearned income. This $380 would then be subtracted from the $967 FBR, resulting in an SSI payment of $587 ($967 – $380). The combined monthly benefit would then be $987 ($400 SSDI + $587 SSI).

All other SSI eligibility criteria, including the resource limits of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, must still be met. Therefore, even with a low SSDI benefit, if an individual’s total countable resources exceed these limits, they would not qualify for SSI. The combined benefit amount will not exceed the maximum SSI payment level.

Applying for and Maintaining Concurrent Benefits

Individuals seeking disability benefits often initiate the application process for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) simultaneously through a single application. This combined approach is beneficial for those unsure which program they might qualify for, or if they anticipate qualifying for a low SSDI amount that could be supplemented by SSI. The SSA will evaluate the claim to determine eligibility for one or both programs based on the applicant’s work history, income, resources, and medical condition.

Maintaining concurrent benefits requires reporting changes to the Social Security Administration. Recipients must promptly report any changes that could impact their eligibility or benefit amounts. This includes alterations in income, such as an increase in SSDI payments, or the start of new employment.

Changes in resources, living arrangements, or marital status also require reporting to the SSA. If a recipient’s countable resources exceed the SSI limits, their eligibility could be affected. Changes in living situation or marital status can alter the calculation of SSI benefits, as the program considers household income and shared expenses. Timely and accurate reporting ensures benefits are adjusted correctly and helps prevent overpayments.