Can You Get Both Social Security and Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages benefit programs providing financial support. These programs address various life circumstances, including retirement, disability, and the loss of a family wage earner. Many wonder if receiving multiple Social Security benefits concurrently is possible. This depends on the specific benefit types and individual eligibility.

Types of Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration offers distinct benefits, each with specific eligibility. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and are now unable to work due to a severe medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This program is funded by payroll taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program providing financial assistance to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. Social Security Retirement Benefits are earned through an individual’s work history and payment of Social Security taxes, becoming available at a certain age. Individuals need 40 work credits, typically earned over 10 years, to qualify. The SSA also administers benefits for survivors of deceased workers and spouses of beneficiaries.

Simultaneous Social Security Disability and Retirement Benefits

Individuals cannot receive full Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and full Social Security Retirement benefits concurrently. Instead, when an individual receiving SSDI reaches their full retirement age (FRA), their disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits. The monthly benefit amount remains the same after this conversion, as SSDI benefits are equivalent to what one would receive at their full retirement age. For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67.

If an individual begins receiving early retirement benefits, which are typically reduced, and then becomes disabled, their benefits may convert to the higher SSDI amount upon approval. The SSA may pay the difference between reduced early retirement benefits and the full SSDI amount for overlapping months. However, if someone is already receiving retirement benefits, they cannot then apply for SSDI, as they are already receiving a Social Security benefit based on their earnings record.

Concurrent Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income

It is possible to receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) concurrently, often called “concurrent benefits.” This typically occurs when an individual’s SSDI benefit is low, falling below the federal benefit rate for SSI. SSI can then supplement the SSDI payment to bring total income up to a certain level, usually the maximum federal SSI payment. For 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment for an individual is $967 per month.

Eligibility for SSI requires meeting strict income and resource limits, even if receiving SSDI. For an individual, countable resources must be below $2,000, and for a couple, below $3,000. The SSA considers most income types, including SSDI benefits, when calculating SSI payments, though certain exclusions apply. A portion of earned income or a small general income exclusion may not be counted. Receiving concurrent benefits can also provide additional advantages, such as automatic qualification for Medicaid in many states, offering health care coverage during the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility that typically applies to SSDI recipients.