If you're eligible for Social Security benefits or believe you might be, navigating the jargon to get the help you need can be confusing. Do you need supplemental security income or Social Security disability?
Supplemental security income (SSI) and Social Security disability (SSDI) are federal financial assistance programs that the Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees, but they serve different populations and have different requirements.
Supplemental Security Income vs. Social Security Disability: An Overview
Understanding both supplemental security income and Social Security disability requirements can help determine your qualifications. The biggest difference between SSI and SSDI is the work-related requirements. Read on to understand the differences.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is available to disabled individuals as well as people over 65 or others who need extra financial help, such as people who are blind or hard of hearing. SSI benefits are different from standard Social Security benefits available to seniors.
To qualify for SSI, you do not need any specific work history. There are no minimum work requirements to qualify for SSI benefits. The amount of benefits is also not tied to past earnings.
SSI benefits are given based on need. You cannot qualify if you have a household income or countable financial resources above certain levels. To qualify as an SSI beneficiary, you may have no more than $2,000 in assets or $3,000 for couples.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
SSDI offers similar benefits to SSI but is work-related. SSDI gives people disability benefits based on work credits. You can earn work credits by making a certain income each year and paying Social Security taxes. Unlike SSI, you can only qualify for SSDI if you meet work requirements, so they're considered an earned benefit.
Essentially, when you pay Social Security taxes, you are buying into the possibility of future SSDI benefits. However, in some cases, a disabled person can collect benefits on a spouse or parent’s work record.
How much SSDI benefits you can receive is equal to a percentage of your average income, up to maximum SSDI benefit limits. Unlike SSI, to qualify for SSDI, you don't need to show financial need to be eligible.
SSI vs. SSDI: Key Differences
There are key differences between SSI vs. SSDI that can be affected by earned or unearned income or how much you have in assets or an individual retirement account (IRA). Key points are summarized here:
| Factor | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) |
| Who is the program for? | People with limited income and limited resources who are also 65 or older, blind or disabled. The SSA describes SSI as “an assistance source of last resort.” | People who cannot work for a year or more because of a disability. |
| What are the eligibility requirements? | Individuals must have little or no income, little or no resources and a disability, blindness or be age 65 or older. Individuals may have no more than $2,000 in assets or $3,000 for couples. | You must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing your current job and prevents you from doing a new job. Short-term and partial disabilities don’t usually count. You must also meet work eligibility requirements. Before age 24 you'll need about 1.5 years of work in the three years before your disability. Between ages 24 and 31 you’ll need to have worked for about half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled For those older than 31, you’ll need to have worked for at least five or more years in the 10 years before developing a disability. |
| What benefits can I get? | You can get cash benefits up to $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. | You can get SSDI payments up to $3,822 a month, plus automatic Medicare enrollment after a waiting period. |
| When can I get benefits? | In some cases, you can qualify for immediate payments, specifically in case of:presumptive disability (PD) or presumptive blindness (PB) paymentemergency advance paymentimmediate paymentexpedited reinstatement casesFind info on cash advances for Social Security recipients, here | You'll usually need to wait five months before benefits begin but could receive back payments for up to 12 months before you apply. |
| How much is the maximum amount I can get? | SSI's maximum benefit in 2024 is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.You may not qualify for the maximum if you have income from other sources. | The maximum SSDI payment is $3,822 a month in 2024. Whether you qualify for the maximum will depend on your work history. |
| Is health insurance coverage provided? | If you qualify for SSI, Medicaid is included. You may get Medicaid coverage automatically, or you may have to apply. | If you get SSDI benefits, you'll get Medicare automatically after 24 months of disability benefits for 24 months. If you have ALS you'll get Medicare automatically as soon as you start receiving disability benefits. |
| Can my benefits change? | Yes, benefits can change based on changes in assets, income, medical condition, living situation, family composition or status as a student. | Yes, benefits can change based on changes in your medical condition or if you can go back to work. |
Can I Get Both SSDI and SSI?
According to the Social Security Administration, yes, you can get both the SSDI and SSI program benefits at the same time. Individuals may qualify for concurrent benefits when someone is eligible for benefits under both programs. However, if you return to work, it might affect the concurrent benefits or benefits under either program.
SSI vs. SSD: Which One Is Right for You?
Whether SSI or SSDI is right for you depends on whether you qualify under disability criteria, work requirements or financial asset requirements. SSI is best for you if you have an approved disability and minimal assets or other income. SSDI could be right for you if you have a proven disability and meet minimum work requirements. If you need more financial advice, Benzinga can help you save money on a low income, calculate your average retirement income and earn a little extra money online or through the Ticket to Work Program.
Or, find the best disability insurance, an affordable disability lawyer or loans for the disabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Social Security disability the same as supplemental security income?
No, Social Security disability and supplemental security income are different. You may qualify for one, the other or both.
Does Social Security disability pay more than Social Security?
Normally, the SSDI benefits pay more. However, if you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, that may be the maximum benefit available.
Is it easier to get SSI or SSDI?
It’s easier to get approved for SSDI benefits because the qualifications are based on work history and accumulated work credits already on record with the Social Security Administration.
About Alison Plaut
Alison Kimberly is a freelance content writer with a Sustainable MBA, uniquely qualified to help individuals and businesses achieve the triple bottom line of environmental, social, and financial profitability. She has been writing for various non-profit organizations for 15+ years. When not writing, you will find her promoting education and meditation in the developing world, or hiking and enjoying nature.