For millions of Americans navigating a severe health condition or disability, financial stability is a primary concern. Two critical federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), provide vital lifelines. Yet, a common point of confusion arises from the question: can you get disability and social security? The answer is nuanced. You can receive disability benefits from Social Security, but understanding the distinction between the different types of “Social Security” is key to knowing what you qualify for and how payments work. This guide will clarify the programs, their eligibility rules, and the specific, rare circumstances where you might collect from more than one.

Demystifying Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned benefit. Think of it as an insurance program you pay into through FICA taxes deducted from your paycheck. To qualify, you must have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, which are based on your total years of work and annual earnings. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled (requirements are less strict for younger workers). Beyond the work credit test, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict definition of disability. Your medical condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), and it must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

If approved for SSDI, your monthly benefit amount is calculated based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began, similar to how retirement benefits are calculated. There is a five-month waiting period after your disability onset date before benefits begin. After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you automatically become eligible for Medicare, regardless of your age.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program. It is designed to assist aged, blind, and disabled individuals who have very limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on your work history or prior tax contributions. Eligibility hinges almost entirely on financial need. The SSA has strict asset limits: generally, an individual cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources, and a couple cannot have more than $3,000. Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, though a primary home and one vehicle are usually excluded. Your income from all sources is also heavily scrutinized and will reduce your SSI payment amount.

The medical standard for disability is identical to that used for SSDI. The key difference is the financial underpinning. SSI payments are intended to provide a basic, minimum level of income for food and shelter. Because it is a federal welfare program, SSI recipients also typically qualify for Medicaid immediately in their state.

Can You Receive Both SSDI and SSI Concurrently?

This is where the concept of “getting both” comes into play. Yes, it is possible to receive both SSDI and SSI payments in the same month. This situation is known as receiving “concurrent benefits.” It occurs when an individual is approved for SSDI based on their work history and medical condition, but their SSDI monthly payment amount is so low that it falls below the maximum federal SSI payment rate, and they also meet the strict financial limits for SSI.

For example, imagine the maximum federal SSI payment for an individual is $943 (figures change annually). If your calculated SSDI benefit is only $600 per month and you have very few other resources, you may also qualify for approximately $343 in SSI to bring your total support up to the SSI threshold. The SSI payment would be reduced by the amount of your SSDI payment. This scenario is most common for individuals with a sporadic or low-earning work history who have paid into the system enough to earn some SSDI, but not enough for a high benefit.

Key Requirements for Concurrent Benefits

To be eligible for both SSDI and SSI at the same time, you must satisfy the criteria for both programs independently. This includes passing the medical disability test for both, having enough work credits for SSDI, and falling below the stringent income and resource limits for SSI. The application process is integrated. When you apply for disability through the SSA, they will automatically evaluate you for both SSDI and SSI based on the information you provide. Understanding your potential for concurrent benefits is crucial, especially for those with limited work history, as it can mean the difference between severe poverty and a more stable, though still modest, income.

Social Security Retirement and Disability: You Cannot Get Both

A critical distinction must be made between SSDI and Social Security Retirement benefits. You cannot receive full Social Security retirement benefits and full SSDI benefits simultaneously. The SSA considers them both to be “Social Security” benefits based on your earnings record. When you reach your full retirement age (which is between 66 and 67 for most current applicants), your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits. The monthly amount typically remains the same. The essential rule is that you collect one benefit from your earnings record at a time. If you are approved for SSDI, you are essentially receiving your retirement benefit early due to a qualifying disability. For a deeper look at how age factors into disability reviews, our guide on Your Social Security Disability Review After Turning 50 explores this transition in detail.

The Application Process and Strategic Considerations

Applying for either SSDI or SSI is a detailed and often lengthy process. You can initiate an application online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be prepared to provide extensive documentation, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, W-2 forms or tax returns, medical records, doctors’ reports, and a detailed work history. For SSI, you will also need complete information on all your income and assets.

Given the complexity and high rate of initial denials, many applicants benefit from professional assistance. Here are key steps and considerations for a stronger application:

• Gather Comprehensive Medical Evidence: This is the cornerstone of any disability claim. Collect all records, test results, treatment notes, and statements from your treating physicians that specifically detail your limitations and inability to work.
• Document Your Work History Precisely: Clearly outline your past jobs and the physical and mental demands of each. This helps the SSA assess your inability to return to past work or adjust to new work.
• Meticulously Report Financial Data (for SSI): Keep clear records of all bank statements, bills, asset values, and sources of any income. Inaccuracies here can lead to a denial or overpayment you will have to repay.
• Consider Legal Representation: An attorney or accredited representative who specializes in Social Security Disability law can help navigate the process, ensure paperwork is complete, and represent you at a hearing if you need to appeal a denial.

The appeals process is multi-stage, starting with a Request for Reconsideration, then a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, followed by reviews by the Appeals Council and federal court. Persistence is often necessary. For further insights into maximizing your claim’s success, you can Read full article on specialized legal strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my SSDI benefits be taxed? Yes, they can be. If you have other substantial income (such as a spouse’s earnings, interest, or dividends) in addition to your SSDI, a portion of your benefits may become taxable. The SSA does not withhold taxes automatically; you must request it.

Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI? There are strict rules, but work is possible through incentive programs like the Trial Work Period (for SSDI) and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (for SSI). You must report all earnings, as earning over the Substantial Gainful Activity limit (e.g., $1,550 per month in 2024 for non-blind individuals) can affect eligibility.

What happens to my SSDI if I get married? Marriage does not affect your SSDI eligibility or benefit amount, as it is based on your own work record. However, marriage will almost always affect SSI eligibility and payment amounts because your spouse’s income and resources are deemed available to you.

Is there a difference between SSDI and long-term disability insurance? Yes. SSDI is a government program. Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is a private policy you or your employer purchased. You can potentially receive both, but your LTD policy may offset its payment by the amount you receive from SSDI.

How long does it take to get approved? The initial application can take 3 to 6 months for a decision. If denials lead to a hearing before an ALJ, the total process can easily extend to 1.5 to 2 years or longer.

Navigating the world of Social Security disability benefits is complex, but understanding the fundamental difference between SSDI and SSI is the first critical step. Whether you qualify for one, the other, or potentially both concurrent benefits depends on your unique work history, medical condition, and financial circumstances. By arming yourself with accurate information and preparing a thorough, evidence-based application, you can significantly improve your chances of securing the financial support you need during a challenging period of disability.