SSI and SSDI are both disability benefits from Social Security, but they work very differently. Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect and how to manage your benefits.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Basic definitions
- Eligibility differences
- Payment amounts
- Resource and income rules
- Healthcare coverage
1. Basic Definitions
SSI (Supplemental Security Income):
- Needs-based program
- For people with limited income and resources
- Paid from general tax revenue
- Administered by Social Security
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):
- Insurance program
- For people who've worked and paid into Social Security
- Based on your work history
- You've "earned" this benefit
Key distinction:
- SSI = need-based (low income/resources)
- SSDI = work-based (earned through employment)
2. Eligibility Differences
SSI eligibility:
- Must have a qualifying disability
- Limited income (varies by state)
- Resources under $2,000 ($3,000 for couples)
- U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
- No work history required
SSDI eligibility:
- Must have a qualifying disability
- Enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 recent)
- No income or resource limits
- Must have paid Social Security taxes
- 5-month waiting period after disability onset
Can you receive both?
- Yes, this is called "concurrent benefits"
- If SSDI payment is low
- And you meet SSI income/resource limits
- SSI supplements SSDI
3. Payment Amounts
SSI payments (2026):
- Federal maximum: ~$967/month individual
- ~$1,450/month for couples
- Some states add supplements
- Reduced by income
SSDI payments:
- Based on your lifetime earnings
- Average: ~$1,500-$1,800/month
- Maximum: ~$3,800/month (2026)
- Not reduced by resources
What affects payment amounts:
- SSI: Your income and living situation
- SSDI: Your work history and earnings record
- Both: Cost of living adjustments (COLA)
4. Resource and Income Rules
SSI rules:
- $2,000 resource limit (individual)
- $3,000 for couples
- Income reduces your benefit
- Must report all changes
- Strict monitoring
SSDI rules:
- No resource limits
- Can have savings, investments, property
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for work
- More freedom with finances
Important: This is the biggest practical difference—SSI recipients must constantly manage their resources, while SSDI recipients don't have this limitation.
5. Healthcare Coverage
SSI → Medicaid:
- Usually automatic in most states
- Starts immediately with SSI
- State-administered
- Low or no premiums/copays
SSDI → Medicare:
- 24-month waiting period
- Starts 2 years after SSDI eligibility
- Federal program
- Has premiums and cost-sharing
Both programs:
- Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid
- Called "dual eligible"
- Medicaid may cover Medicare costs
Comparison Table
| Feature | SSI | SSDI | |---------|-----|------| | Based on | Financial need | Work history | | Resource limit | $2,000 | None | | Income limit | Yes | No (work limits only) | | Healthcare | Medicaid | Medicare (after 24 months) | | Work credits needed | No | Yes | | Payment amount | Fixed federal rate | Based on earnings |
How Purple Helps
Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, or both:
- Track your deposits and balances
- Get early access up to 4 days
- For SSI: Monitor resource limits
- For SSDI: No special tracking needed
- Works for concurrent beneficiaries too