Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI
Both benefit programs are for people with work-stopping health problems, but they have different eligibility rules and payment calculations.
To successfully apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, you don’t just need to show that your health prevents you from working. You also have to show that you worked and paid into Social Security.
Your monthly SSD payments are calculated based in part on your previous income.
Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program. You can qualify for SSI benefits even if you haven’t worked, or if you’ve only worked a small amount, or not in a long time.
Because it’s need-based, SSI recipients can’t have too many assets at their disposal. The limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
When calculating payments for SSI, Social Security starts at the same maximum, national SSI rate and makes deductions based on income and other benefits you receive.
SSDI payments are usually higher than SSI, but there are some situations in which taking SSI or trying to qualify for both types of benefits is the better choice.
A Northeast Wisconsin disability lawyer can help you weigh your options.
When You Can Claim SSD and SSI at the Same Time
When you apply for Social Security Disability, you may be eligible for both SSDI and SSI if you meet these criteria:
- 1. Your SSDI payment is lower than the national SSI maximum
- 2. You meet the asset limitations of the SSI program
As we mentioned, SSDI payments are calculated based on past wages. Someone who worked part-time or made low pay may end up with a monthly payment below the SSI maximum.
In a case like that, they could claim both benefits, with the SSI payment supplementing the SSDI benefits.
As long as the applicant also meets the SSI program’s limits on assets, they would be able to collect both types of benefits. Just know that your monthly payment can never exceed the SSI maximum.
There are some advantages to receiving both SSDI and SSI. The most obvious is that you could get more in your monthly check if you SSDI is low, but that’s not the only benefit.
One thing to consider is Social Security’s waiting period for benefits. When you make a Social Security Disability Insurance claim, benefits can only kick in five months after your disability officially began according to Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income works differently. For SSI claims, benefits are retroactive to the first full month after you applied.
This means that, depending on when you applied for disability and when your work-stopping health problems began, SSI could fill a “gap” and offer benefits for months before your SSDI payments start.
The second consideration is health care benefits. You may qualify for two types of coverage—Medicaid through SSI and Medicare through SSDI.
Medicaid coverage can start right away if you are eligible for SSI, but there’s a 24-month waiting period for SSDI to start Medicare coverage.
If you think you may qualify for both types of disability benefits, have an experienced disability law firm review your claim.
Other Times When You Can Get SSD and SSI at the Same Time
Family members of people with qualifying Social Security work records can also receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time in certain circumstances.
- People Receiving Disabled Adult Child Benefits: If you’ve been unable to work due to health problems from early adulthood, and you have a parent with a qualifying Social Security work record, you can receive a special kind of SSDI benefits for family members. If you have limited enough financial means, you could also get SSI.
- Widows and Widowers: If your spouse was eligible for Social Security before he or she died, you could get survivor’s benefits, including SSDI if you also have a qualifying disability. And if you are under the financial limits, you could get a mix of SSDI and SSI.
Qualifying for just one type of Social Security Disability benefit is difficult, so imagine the obstacles trying to qualify for SSDI and SSI at the same time.
You should have an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer on your side.
A disability attorney can:
- Take the time to understand your situation
- Guide you in filling out SSA application forms
- Identify important medical evidence to support your claim
- Keep you on track with important deadlines
- Keep you updated on the status of your claim
- Help you avoid mistakes that can result in delays and denials
- Support your appeal if your claim gets denied
- Represent you at your disability hearing in front of an administrative law judge
Only around one-third of initial disability applications succeed in Wisconsin, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
If you think that you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits, Tim Geary and the team at Geary Disability Law will help you understand your options and work hard to give your disability claim its best chance for approval.
Hear from a Geary Law Firm Client
“When I did have a court date, he was confident and knew the law perfectly and was dedicated to my case.”
