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Disability
SSDI and SSI benefits for people with disabilities
Learn how you may be eligible for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have a disability or are 65 or over.
Learn the difference between SSDI and SSI
- SSDI is tied to your work history. It pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you:
- Have a disability and
- Worked enough years to qualify and paid Social Security taxes during the years you worked
- SSI does not require you to have a work history. It provides you with money to cover basics like food, clothing, and housing if you are 65 or older or have a disability.
Overview of the Disability Programs
They manage two programs that provide benefits based on disability or blindness. These are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)
SSDI provides benefits to people who have developed a disability or who are blind and who are “insured” by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. These contributions are based on your earnings (or those of your spouse or parents) as required by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Title II of the Social Security Act authorizes SSDI benefits. Your dependents may also be eligible for benefits from your earnings record.
Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI)
The SSI program makes cash payments to people who are aged, blind, or have developed a disability (including children) and who have limited income and resources. The federal government funds SSI from general tax revenues. Many states pay a supplemental benefit to people in addition to the federal payments. Some of these states have arrangements to combine their supplemental payment with the federal SSI payment into 1 monthly check. Other states manage their own programs and make their payments separately. Title XVI of the Social Security Act authorizes SSI benefits.
- NOTE: To get SSI, you must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen or national. People who live in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot receive SSI.
When You Receive Both SSDI and SSI
They use the term “concurrent” to describe people who are eligible for disability benefits under both the SSDI and SSI programs.
- NOTE: The SSDI and SSI programs share many concepts and terms, however, there are also many important differences in the rules affecting eligibility and benefit payments. The following table summarizes differences between the SSDI and SSI programs. These differences are important as many people may apply or be eligible for benefits under both programs.
Comparison of the SSDI and SSI Disability Programs
| SSDI | SSI | |
|---|---|---|
|
Source of payments |
Disability trust fund. |
General tax revenues. |
|
Minimum Initial Qualification Requirements NOTE: To get SSI, you must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen or national. People who live in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot receive SSI. |
You must meet Social Security’s disability criteria. You must be “insured” based on contributions made to FICA for your own earnings, or those of your spouse or your parents. |
You must meet Social Security’s disability criteria. |
|
Health Insurance Coverage Provided |
Medicare entitlement begins after you have received SSDI for 24 months. This consists of hospital insurance (Part A), supplementary medical insurance (Part B), and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Voluntary prescription drug benefits (Part D) are also included. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicare. |
Medicaid. A jointly funded, federal-state health insurance program for people with limited income and resources. It covers certain children, and some or all the aged, blind, and people with disabilities in a state who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Title XIX of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicaid. The law gives the states options regarding eligibility and types of services under Medicaid. |
|
How do they figure your monthly payment amount? |
They base your SSDI monthly amount on the worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. They may reduce the amount of your benefit payment if you receive Workers’ Compensation payments (including Black Lung payments) and/or public disability benefits, for example, certain state and civil service disability benefits. Other income or resources do not affect your payment amount. They usually adjust the monthly payment amount each year to account for cost-of-living changes. They can also pay SSDI monthly benefits to dependents on your record, such as minor children. |
To calculate your payment amount, they start with the
Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). They subtract your countable
income from the FBR and then add your state supplement,
if any. |
|
Is a State Supplemental Payment provided? |
There is no state supplemental payment with the SSDI program. |
Many states pay some people who receive SSI an additional amount called a “state supplement”. The amounts and qualifications for these state supplements vary from state to state. |
Can you get SSI and SSDI benefits together?
Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to collect SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. This is known as receiving “concurrent” benefits. When you are ready, you can apply for both benefits together. After you apply, the Social Security Administration will tell you if you qualify for one or both programs.
Find out if you are eligible for SSDI and apply
Your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your age, disability, and how long you worked. To find out if you are eligible for SSDI, use the Social Security benefits questionnaire.
Your spouse or former spouse and your children may be eligible for benefits when you start getting SSDI. Learn about family benefits and see if your family members may qualify.
You have options to apply online, by phone, or in person.
- If your application is approved, you will have a five-month waiting period for benefits to start.
- Learn how you can appeal if your SSDI application is denied.
Find out if you are eligible for SSI and apply
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who have little to no income.
You must also either:
- Have a disability, or
- Be 65 or older
When are SSDI and SSI benefits paid?
The day you will get your SSDI or SSI benefits each month is based on your birthdate.
If your payment is more than 3 days late, Contact the Social Security Administration..
Get help with SSDI and SSI benefits
You can create a free “my Social Security” account to manage your benefits online and:
- Check on your application status
- Update your name, address, and other information
- Set up or change your direct deposit information to receive your benefits
- Get tax documents to report income from SSDI benefits (SSI benefits are not taxable.)
- Get a benefits verification letter to show what benefits you receive
If you have specific questions:
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