Can You Get SSDI and SSI at the Same Time? How to Qualify for Both
- Purple
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Understanding Concurrent Disability Benefits
Introduction: Can You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?
If you’re disabled and rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may wonder:
🔹 Can I receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
🔹 How do I qualify for both programs?
🔹 How much money can I get if I receive both SSI and SSDI?
The short answer:
✔ Yes, it’s possible to receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time. This is called "concurrent benefits."
✔ You must meet SSDI’s work history requirements and SSI’s low-income limits.
✔ Receiving SSDI may reduce or eliminate your SSI payment, depending on your monthly benefit.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The difference between SSDI and SSI
✅ How to qualify for both SSDI and SSI
✅ How much money you can receive with concurrent benefits
✅ How working affects concurrent benefits
✅ How Purple helps manage your disability payments
Let’s get started!
1. What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
✔ SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
For people who have worked & paid Social Security taxes.
Based on work history and earnings, NOT financial need.
No resource limit (you can have savings & assets).
Monthly payments depend on your past earnings.
Medicare eligibility after 24 months of SSDI.
✔ SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
For low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history.
Based on financial need (limited income & assets required).
Monthly payments are capped at $967/month (2025 max).
Strict $2,000 asset limit ($3,000 for couples).
Medicaid eligibility is automatic in most states.
✔ What Are Concurrent Benefits?
If you qualify for SSDI but receive a low monthly payment, you may also qualify for SSI to supplement your income.
💡 Example:
Your SSDI payment is $500/month.
The 2035 SSI maximum is $967/month.
SSA may give you an additional $467 in SSI to bring you to the SSI limit.
📌 If your SSDI payment is higher than the SSI limit ($967/month), you won’t qualify for SSI.
2. How to Qualify for Both SSDI and SSI
✔ Step 1: Qualify for SSDI Based on Work History
To receive SSDI, you must:
✔ Have a disability that prevents full-time work.
✔ Have worked long enough and recently enough (earned work credits).
💡 If your SSDI check is low ($967 or less), you may qualify for SSI too.
✔ Step 2: Qualify for SSI Based on Financial Need
To receive SSI, you must:
✔ Have countable income below $967/month (individuals) or $1,450/month (couples).
✔ Have resources below $2,000 ($3,000 for couples).
✔ Be approved for disability benefits through SSDI or SSI medical rules.
💡 If your SSDI check is too high, you won’t qualify for SSI.
3. How Much Can You Receive with SSDI & SSI Together?
📌 If you qualify for concurrent benefits, your total disability income will be capped at the SSI maximum of $967/month (2025).
✔ Example 1: Low SSDI Payment (Qualifies for Both SSDI & SSI)
SSDI benefit: $500/month
SSI max benefit: $967/month
SSI payment amount: $467 (to bring total income to $967)
Total combined benefits: $967/month
❌ Example 2: Higher SSDI Payment (Does NOT Qualify for SSI)
SSDI benefit: $1,200/month
SSI max benefit: $967/month
SSI payment amount: $0 (income too high for SSI)
Total combined benefits: $1,200/month (SSDI only)
💡 If your SSDI payment is over the SSI limit, you will NOT receive SSI.
4. How Working Affects SSDI & SSI Concurrent Benefits
✔ If You Work While Receiving Both SSDI & SSI:
SSI will be reduced first (SSA deducts $1 for every $2 earned over $85/month).
If your countable income exceeds $967, SSI payments stop.
SSDI allows you to earn up to $1,620/month (SGA limit for 2025) before benefits stop.
📌 Example: If you get SSI + SSDI and start working, your SSI check will be reduced before SSDI is affected.
💡 After 9 months of earning over SGA, SSA may review your SSDI eligibility.
5. How to Apply for Both SSI and SSDI
✔ Step 1: Apply for SSDI First
📌 Online: SSA.gov
📌 By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213
📌 In Person: Visit your local SSA office
✔ Step 2: Apply for SSI
📌 SSA will automatically check if you qualify for SSI when you apply for SSDI.
✔ Step 3: Provide Financial & Medical Documentation
📌 Required documents:
Social Security number
Medical records
Work history (SSDI)
Bank statements & proof of income (SSI)
💡 If you’re denied SSI due to excess income, you can appeal.
6. How Purple Helps Manage SSI & SSDI Benefits
💜 Track Your SSDI & SSI Payments – Know exactly when your benefits arrive.
💜 Monitor Your Work Earnings – Avoid exceeding SSA’s income limits.
💜 Receive Alerts for Benefit Changes – Stay informed on SSA rule updates.
💜 Find Disability Financial Assistance Programs – Get help with housing, food, & bills.
💡 With Purple, you can manage your disability benefits while staying within SSI & SSDI rules!
7. FAQs About Receiving SSI & SSDI at the Same Time
Can I Get Both SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?
✔ Yes! If your SSDI payment is low, SSI can supplement it up to $967/month.
How Much Can I Get in Combined SSI & SSDI Payments?
📌 The total amount cannot exceed the SSI maximum of $967/month.
Will Working Affect My Concurrent Benefits?
✔ Yes—SSI is reduced first if you work. SSDI has a higher earnings limit.
Do I Have to Apply for SSI Separately If I’m on SSDI?
✔ No, SSA will automatically check if you qualify for both.
What Happens If My SSDI Increases Over the SSI Limit?
✔ Your SSI payments will stop, but SSDI will continue.
8. Conclusion: Yes, You Can Receive Both SSDI and SSI—Here’s How to Qualify
✅ You can qualify for concurrent benefits if your SSDI check is below $967/month.
✅ SSI supplements SSDI up to the federal maximum.
✅ If you work, SSI is reduced first, then SSDI may be reviewed.
✅ SSA automatically checks for SSI eligibility when applying for SSDI.
✅ Use Purple to track disability benefits & stay within SSA rules!
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Manage Your Disability Benefits & SSI/SSDI Payments!