You can receive both SSDI and SSI together, but the way they work together depends on your work history and income

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two separate programs with different rules. SSDI is based on your own work history and contributions to Social Security. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The two programs can overlap — you may receive both at the same time — but receiving one affects how much you get from the other.

The key difference is that SSDI has no income or resource limits, while SSI does. If you receive SSDI, you keep the full amount no matter what other income you have. But if you also receive SSI, your SSI payment shrinks dollar-for-dollar as your SSDI payment grows. This is called the "deemed income" rule, and it is the main thing to understand about receiving both programs.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI payments are not reduced if you receive other income, but SSI payments are reduced by any income you have, including SSDI.
  • You can receive both programs at the same time if you meet the disability requirements for each and your income and resources fall within SSI limits.
  • If your SSDI payment is very low, you may still receive a small SSI payment to bring your total income to the federal minimum.
  • Your work history determines whether you can receive SSDI; your financial need determines whether you can receive SSI.
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles both programs, and you report changes in income or living situation to the same office.

How SSDI and SSI interact when you receive both

When you receive SSDI, that payment counts as income for SSI purposes. The SSA subtracts your SSDI amount from the SSI federal benefit rate — currently $943 per month for an individual, though this amount changes yearly and varies by state. If your SSDI payment is $943 or more, you receive no SSI. If your SSDI payment is $500, you may receive up to $443 in SSI (the difference between $943 and $500).

This matters because many people who worked only briefly or at low wages receive SSDI payments below the SSI minimum. For them, SSI tops up the payment to may support a basic income floor. You do not have to choose between the programs — the SSA automatically determines what you receive based on your circumstances.

If you live with others or receive in-kind support (such as food or shelter paid for by someone else), your SSI payment may be reduced further. SSDI has no such reduction. This is another reason why understanding which program you are on matters for your household budget.

Who can receive SSDI

SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period. The SSA calls this having "insured status." Generally, you need 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before you became disabled. If you became disabled before age 31, the rules are more lenient — you may need only 6 credits in the 3 years before disability began.

You must also meet the SSA's definition of disability: a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The condition must be severe enough that you cannot do any substantial work. The SSA evaluates your medical records, work history, age, and education to make this information.

If you have SSDI, you keep receiving it as long as you remain disabled and do not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit — currently $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals, though this amount changes yearly. Unearned income (such as SSI, pensions, or gifts) does not affect your SSDI payment.

Who can receive SSI

SSI has no work history requirement. You can receive it if you are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older, and you have limited income and resources. For 2024, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Resources include savings, investments, and property you own — but not your home or one vehicle.

Income limits are lower. The SSA counts most income toward the limit, including wages, SSDI, pensions, and gifts. However, the first $65 of monthly earnings and half of earnings above that are not counted. This is called the "earned income exclusion," and it allows people receiving SSI to work part-time without losing the entire benefit.

SSI is also available to children under 18 whose parents have limited income and resources, if the child is disabled. The rules for children are different from the rules for adults, and a parent's income and resources are counted toward the child's limit.

What happens to your benefits if your income changes

If you receive SSDI and your income increases — for example, through part-time work — your SSDI payment does not change. You can earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. Above that limit, you enter a trial work period where you can test your ability to work while keeping full SSDI benefits for 9 months. After the trial work period, benefits may stop if you continue earning above SGA, but you have a grace period and can restart benefits if you stop working.

If you receive SSI and your income increases, your SSI payment decreases. The first $65 of monthly earnings is not counted, and half of earnings above that are not counted. So if you earn $200 per month, only $67.50 counts toward your income limit ($200 minus $65, divided by 2). Your SSI payment would be reduced by $67.50.

You must report income changes to the SSA within 10 days. If you receive both SSDI and SSI, report to the same office. Changes in living situation, household composition, or resources must also be reported, as these affect your SSI payment.

How to learn about you can receive both programs

The SSA determines your status based on your work history, medical condition, income, and resources. If you are already receiving SSDI and think you may also be may have access to to SSI, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit ssa.gov to find your nearest office or create a my Social Security account to check your benefit status.

Bring documents showing your current income and resources: recent pay stubs, bank statements, proof of any unearned income, and a list of what you own. The SSA will review your case and tell you whether you meet SSI requirements. If you do, SSI will be added to your account automatically.

If you are not yet receiving SSDI or SSI, you can start the process by contacting the SSA. You will need medical evidence of your disability, proof of your work history (if explore for SSDI), and proof of your income and resources (if explore for SSI). The process typically takes several months.

What to know about work incentives and both programs

The SSA has work incentive programs designed to help people receiving disability benefits return to work without when ready losing all benefits. These programs explore to both SSDI and SSI, though the rules differ.

For SSDI, the trial work period allows you to work and earn any amount for 9 months while keeping full benefits. After that, you enter the extended may be able to access period, where you can work and earn above SGA for 36 months while keeping benefits if your earnings drop below SGA in any month. If you stop working, you can restart benefits without a new process.

For SSI, the earned income exclusion ($65 per month plus half of earnings above that) is the main work incentive. Additionally, the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program allows you to set aside income and resources for a work goal without affecting your SSI. A PASS must be in writing and approved by the SSA before you start setting money aside.

Both programs also offer protection for impairment-related work expenses (IRWE) — costs you incur because of your disability, such as medical equipment or transportation to work. These expenses can be deducted from your income when the SSA calculates your benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I receive SSDI, do I automatically get SSI too?

No. SSDI and SSI are separate programs with different rules. You receive SSDI based on your work history; you receive SSI based on financial need. You must meet the requirements for each program separately. However, if you meet SSI requirements and are already receiving SSDI, the SSA can add SSI to your account. Contact your local office to ask about your situation.

What is the maximum amount I can receive if I get both SSDI and SSI?

Your total depends on your SSDI payment and your state. The federal SSI rate for 2024 is $943 per month for an individual, but some states add extra money. If your SSDI is $500 and your state SSI is $943, you could receive up to $1,443 total. The SSA will calculate your exact amount based on your circumstances.

Can I work while receiving both SSDI and SSI?

Yes, but the rules are different for each program. SSDI allows you to earn up to the SGA limit ($1,550 per month in 2024) without losing benefits. SSI allows you to earn up to $65 per month without any reduction, and half of earnings above that are not counted. If you earn $200 per month, your SSI reduces by $67.50. Report all work income to the SSA.

What happens to my SSI if my SSDI payment increases?

Your SSI payment decreases by the same amount your SSDI increases. If your SSDI goes up by $100, your SSI goes down by $100. Your total benefit may stay the same or increase slightly, depending on cost-of-living adjustments. The SSA will notify you of any changes.

Do I need to report changes in my living situation if I receive both programs?

Yes. Changes in where you live, who you live with, or whether someone pays for your food or shelter affect your SSI payment. SSDI is not affected by living situation. Report all changes to the SSA within 10 days to avoid overpayment or underpayment.