What’s the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
- Purple
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
If you or a loved one has a disability, you’ve likely come across two major Social Security programs: SSI and SSDI. While both provide monthly income to people with disabilities, they’re very different in terms of who qualifies, how much you get, and how your benefits are managed.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What SSI is
What SSDI is
Key differences between the two programs
Which one you might qualify for
How benefits are paid
How Purple helps you manage either one
1. What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people who are:
Disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
Living on very limited income and resources
U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens
SSI is funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). In 2025, the federal maximum monthly SSI payment is:
$967 for individuals
$1,450 for couples
However, payments may be reduced if you have other income or live with someone who helps pay your expenses. Most states also add a small monthly supplement.
2. What Is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify.
To receive SSDI, you must:
Have a qualifying disability
Have earned enough “work credits” through your job history
Be unable to work for at least 12 months
SSDI is not income- or asset-tested like SSI. It’s based on your prior earnings. In 2025, the average monthly SSDI benefit is about $1,620 (more if you earned more while working).
3. Key Differences Between SSI and SSDI
Here’s how the two programs compare:
Eligibility:
SSI = Low income + limited resources
SSDI = Disability + work history
Funding Source:
SSI = General tax revenue
SSDI = Social Security payroll taxes
Monthly Payment:
SSI = Fixed federal amount + possible state supplement
SSDI = Based on your lifetime earnings
Health Coverage:
SSI = Automatically qualifies you for Medicaid
SSDI = Eligible for Medicare after 24 months
Resource Limits:
SSI = Strict $2,000 asset limit
SSDI = No asset/resource test
4. Can You Get Both?
Yes—some people qualify for both SSI and SSDI at the same time. This is called concurrent benefits.
You might receive SSDI based on your work history and also qualify for a small SSI payment to supplement it if your income is still below the SSI limit.
This often happens when:
You have a limited work history or low lifetime earnings
You receive SSDI but also need Medicaid
You need help covering basic living expenses
5. How Are the Payments Delivered?
Both SSI and SSDI benefits are paid monthly, typically by direct deposit. However:
SSDI is paid based on your birthday (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday)
SSI is paid on the 1st of each month (or earlier if it falls on a weekend/holiday)
With Purple, you may receive benefits up to 4 days early—depending on when the SSA sends the payment file.
¹ Early access is not guaranteed and depends on payer timing.
6. How Purple Helps You Manage Either Program
Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, or both, Purple makes it easier to:
Separate and track multiple benefit payments
Avoid going over the $2,000 SSI limit
Organize spending, receipts, and budgeting
Get alerts and early access to deposits¹
Store benefit letters, documents, and medical info
Support families or rep payees managing benefits for someone else
Purple was built specifically for the disability community—with tools designed to work with the rules, not against them.