If you're applying for disability benefits, you've probably seen two acronyms everywhere: SSI and SSDI. They sound similar, but they're actually two different programs with different rules for who qualifies and how much you can receive.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What SSI and SSDI stand for
- Who qualifies for each program
- How benefit amounts are calculated
- Key differences in rules and restrictions
- Can you receive both SSI and SSDI?
1. What SSI and SSDI Stand For
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. It's funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is an earned benefit for people who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. Think of it like insurance you've been paying for throughout your working life.
Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is why they're often confused.
2. Who Qualifies for Each Program
To qualify for SSI, you must:
- Be 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability
- Have limited income (generally under $1,971/month for individuals in 2026)
- Have limited resources (under $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples)
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
- Reside in the United States
To qualify for SSDI, you must:
- Have a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Have earned enough work credits (typically 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years)
- Not be working above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level
Important: Work credits matter for SSDI. If you became disabled before building up enough work history, you may not qualify for SSDI—but you might still qualify for SSI.
3. How Benefit Amounts Are Calculated
SSI payments are based on the federal benefit rate, which is $967 per month for individuals in 2026. Your actual payment may be lower if you have other income, or higher if your state adds a supplement.
SSDI payments are based on your lifetime earnings. The average SSDI payment in 2026 is around $1,580 per month, but amounts can range from a few hundred dollars to over $3,800 depending on your work history.
4. Key Differences in Rules and Restrictions
| Feature | SSI | SSDI | |---------|-----|------| | Based on | Financial need | Work history | | Asset limit | $2,000 individual | No limit | | Income affects payment | Yes | No (after approval) | | Medicare eligibility | No (Medicaid instead) | Yes (after 24 months) | | Work credits required | No | Yes |
SSI has strict asset limits. If your countable resources exceed $2,000, you can lose your benefits. This includes bank accounts, cash, and most property (with exceptions for your home and one vehicle).
SSDI has no asset limits. You can have savings, investments, and property without affecting your benefits. However, you still cannot earn above the SGA limit while receiving SSDI.
5. Can You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?
Yes, it's possible to receive both benefits simultaneously. This is called "concurrent benefits."
Here's how it works: If your SSDI payment is low (because of limited work history), you might qualify for SSI to supplement it. The SSI payment fills the gap between your SSDI amount and the SSI maximum.
For example:
- Your SSDI payment is $400/month
- The SSI maximum is $967/month
- You might receive $567 in SSI to bring your total to $967
Important: If you receive concurrent benefits, you're still subject to SSI's asset limits. Even though SSDI has no asset limits, the SSI portion of your benefits does.
6. How Purple Helps You Manage Disability Benefits
Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, or both, Purple makes managing your benefits easier:
Direct deposit Receive your benefits up to 2 days early with direct deposit to your Purple account.
Asset tracking for SSI
Spending insights See where your money goes each month with automatic spending categories.
No minimum balance Keep as little or as much in your account as you need—there's no penalty for low balances.
SSI and SSDI in one place If you receive both benefits, they both deposit to the same account, making budgeting simpler.