What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Understanding the two main types of Social Security disability benefits

Introduction: SSDI vs. SSI—What’s the Difference?

If you’re applying for disability benefits—or already receiving them—you’ve probably come across these two programs:

🧾 SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

💵 SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

They sound similar, but they’re very different in how they work, who qualifies, and how they affect your finances.

So, what’s the difference between SSDI and SSI?

✔️ SSDI is based on your work history.

✔️ SSI is based on financial need.

In this post, we’ll break down:

✅ What SSDI and SSI are

✅ Who qualifies for each

✅ How much you can receive

✅ How income and savings affect eligibility

✅ Why it’s important to know which program you’re on

✅ How Purple supports both types of benefits

1. What Is SSDI? (Social Security Disability Insurance)

SSDI is a program for people who have worked and paid into Social Security but are now unable to work due to a disability.

✅ Key Facts About SSDI:

• You must have a work history (usually 5–10 years)

• Your benefit amount depends on your past earnings

• You don’t have to meet income or resource limits

• After 2 years, you become eligible for Medicare

📌 SSDI is insurance-based—you’ve already “paid in” through payroll taxes.

2. What Is SSI? (Supplemental Security Income)

SSI is a program for people who are low-income, with limited resources, and either:

• Are disabled

• Are blind

• Or are age 65 or older

✅ Key Facts About SSI:

• No work history required

• You must meet strict income and asset limits

• The 2025 resource limit is:

  • $2,000 for individuals

  • $3,000 for couples

• SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid

📌 SSI is needs-based, and SSA looks at your income, savings, and living situation.

3. SSDI vs. SSI: Quick Comparison

Feature	SSDI	SSI
Based on work history?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Income/resource limits?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Health insurance benefit	Medicare (after 2 years)	Medicaid
Max monthly payment (2025)	Varies by earnings (~$1,489 avg; $3,822 max)	$967 (individual)
Waiting period?	5 months after disability starts	None
Eligible for dependent benefits?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Can work part-time?	✅ Yes (up to $1,620/month)	⚠️ Yes, but affects payments
Automatically qualifies for SNAP/Medicaid?	❌ Not always	✅ Often automatic

4. Can You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?

Yes—this is called “concurrent benefits.” You might receive both if:

• You qualify for SSDI but your monthly payment is low

• You also meet the financial requirements for SSI

📌 Example: You worked part-time and now get SSDI of $400/month. Since that’s below the SSI limit, you may also receive a partial SSI payment.

💡 If you receive both, you’ll still need to stay under the SSI resource limit.

5. How Much Money Will I Receive?

💵 SSDI (2025 Averages):

• $1,489/month is the average

• Up to $3,822/month for high earners

• Depends on your lifetime earnings and contributions

💵 SSI (2025 Max):

• $967/month for individuals

• $1,450/month for couples

• May be reduced based on income or living situation

📌 Some states add small state supplements to SSI.

6. Can I Work While Receiving SSDI or SSI?

✅ SSDI

You can work part-time, but if you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, SSA may stop your benefits.

• 2025 SGA limits:

  • $1,620/month (non-blind)

  • $2,700/month (blind)

• SSA offers a Trial Work Period where you can earn more for up to 9 months

⚠️ SSI

You can work, but your SSI check may go down as you earn more.

• SSA excludes the first $85/month of income

• After that, they reduce your SSI by 50¢ for every $1 earned

💡 Tracking your income is critical to avoid overpayments or losing benefits.

7. How Purple Helps SSDI and SSI Recipients Stay onn Track

Whether you’re on SSDI, SSI, or both, Purple was built to help you manage your money

and protect your benefits.

💜 Track deposits and income – Know what you’re earning and receiving

💜 Balance alerts – Avoid going over SSI’s $2,000 limit

💜 Tag and document spending – Helpful for SSA reviews and redeterminations

💜 ABLE account tools – Save more without affecting SSI

💜 Companion AI Support – Ask, “Am I close to the income limit?” or “What type of disability benefit am I on?”

📌 One app, built for the unique needs of the disability community.

8. FAQs About SSDI vs. SSI

⚠️ Can I get SSDI if I’ve never worked?

No—SSDI requires a work history. You may qualify for SSI instead.

⚠️ Can I have a savings account on SSDI?

Yes—there’s no resource limit for SSDI. But SSI recipients must stay under $2,000.

⚠️ Which benefit pays more?

SSDI usually pays more, but it depends on your work history. SSI is fixed and based on need.

⚠️ Does SSDI come with Medicaid?

No—SSDI comes with Medicare (after 24 months). SSI comes with Medicaid.

9. Conclusion: Know Which Program You’re On—and How to Make the Most of It

✅ SSDI is for people with a work history

✅ SSI is for people with low income and few resources

✅ You can qualify for both in some cases

✅ Use Purple to track deposits, stay compliant, and keep your benefits safe

💜 Sign up for Purple to manage your SSI or SSDI benefits confidently—all in one place.