What’s the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

How Social Security’s two disability programs work—and which one you might qualify for

Introduction: SSI vs. SSDI—Which One Is Right for You?

If you're applying for disability or already receiving benefits, you've probably asked:

🤔 What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?

📋 Do I qualify for one or both?

💰 How much will I get—and can I work while getting benefits?

The short answer:

✅ SSI and SSDI are two different Social Security programs for people with disabilities.

✅ They have different eligibility rules, payment amounts, and work requirements.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• ✅ The key differences between SSI and SSDI

• ✅ Who qualifies for each

• ✅ What happens if you get both

• ✅ How much you can earn and still keep your benefits

• ✅ How Purple helps you manage either (or both) the smart way

1. What Is SSI? (Supplemental Security Income)

SSI is a needs-based program for people who have:

• Low income

• Few resources (assets under $2,000)

• A qualifying disability (or are age 65+)

✅ Key features:

• Funded by general tax revenue (not your work history)

• Designed to cover basic needs like food and housing

• You must stay under $2,000 in countable resources

• Available to children, adults, and seniors with disabilities

💰 SSI Monthly Federal Benefit in 2025:

• $967/month for individuals

• $1,450/month for couples

📌 Some states add a small state supplement to your check.

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

SSDI is an earned benefit based on your work history.You qualify if you:

• Have a medical condition that prevents you from working

• Have worked enough and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes

✅ Key features:

• Funded by FICA taxes from your paycheck

• Benefit amount is based on your past earnings

• No asset limit (you can have savings or other income)

• Includes Medicare eligibility after 24 months

💰 Average SSDI Payment in 2025:

• Around $1,537/month (individual)

• Higher payments possible for those with high past earnings

3. Can You Get Both SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?

Yes — this is called “concurrent benefits.”You may qualify if:

• Your SSDI payment is low

• You also meet the SSI income and asset limits

📌 SSA will calculate your SSDI first, then use SSI to “top it up” to the full SSI benefit amount.

💡 Many people who receive less than $900/month from SSDI are eligible for SSI, too.

4. What Are the Work Rules for SSI vs. SSDI?

⚠️ SSI Work Limits (2025):

• First $65/month of earnings is excluded

• After that, your SSI is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn

• Must report earnings by the 6th of the following month

• Still must stay under the $2,000 asset limit

⚠️ SSDI Work Limits (2025):

• Can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind)

• Can test working through a Trial Work Period (TWP)

• Going above the limit after your TWP ends may stop your benefits

💡 SSDI gives you more flexibility to work, but only up to a point.

5. What Benefits Come With SSI and SSDI?

Benefit	SSI	SSDI
Monthly Check	Yes	Yes
Medicaid	Yes (immediate)	Maybe (varies by state)
Medicare	No	Yes (after 24 months)
State Supplements	Yes (in most states)	No
Retroactive Payments	No	Yes (up to 12 months)
Work Incentives	Yes	Yes

6. How Purple Supports SSI and SSDI Recipients

💜 Track SSI & SSDI Deposits SeparatelySee exactly how much you’re receiving from each program

💜 Stay Under the $2,000 SSI LimitGet real-time balance alerts and smart notifications

💜 Income Tracking for WorkKnow when you’re near monthly earning limits for both programs

💜 Document StorageStore SSA letters, award notices, and redetermination forms in one secure place

💜 Ask the Companion AI“What’s my SSDI payment?” “Am I close to the SSI asset limit?” “Can I work more this month?”

FAQs About SSI and SSDI

⚠️ Can I choose which one to apply for?

No—SSA will determine which program(s) you qualify for based on your disability, income, and work history.

⚠️ Do both programs use the same disability standard?

Yes—SSA uses the same medical criteria to decide if you’re disabled.

⚠️ Can I lose my SSDI or SSI if I go back to work?

Not right away—but if you earn too much or don’t report income properly, your benefits could be reduced or stopped.

⚠️ Can Purple help if I have both SSI and SSDI?

Absolutely. Purple was built for people receiving any type of disability benefits—even if you get both.

Conclusion: Know the Difference, Maximize Your Support

✅ SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities

✅ SSDI is based on your work history and payroll taxes

✅ Some people qualify for both (concurrent benefits)

✅ Work rules, healthcare coverage, and payment amounts differ

✅ Purple helps you track, report, and stay compliant with confidence

💜 Join Purple today to manage your SSI or SSDI benefits smarter—with tools built just for you.