SSDI vs SSI: Key Differences in Eligibility, Payments, and Health Coverage

Social Security runs two programs that help people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They share a name, a medical definition of disability, and the same agency, but who qualifies and how they work are quite different. This guide breaks down the differences.

What They Have in Common

Both programs use the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. In general, that means you have a medically determinable physical or mental condition that stops you from doing substantial work and that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death. Both programs require an application, medical evidence, and a decision by the SSA. Neither program is run by Disability Aid Pro, and eligibility is decided only by the SSA.

SSDI: Based on Your Work History

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You earn work credits through your employment, and you generally need enough recent credits to qualify. See our guide to SSDI work credits for details.

• Who it is for: workers who can no longer work because of a disability.
• Income and assets: there is no asset limit, but earning above the SSA's substantial gainful activity level can affect eligibility.
• Benefit amount: based on your lifetime earnings record.
• Health coverage: after receiving SSDI for a set period, you generally become eligible for Medicare. The timing is set by the SSA.

SSI: Based on Financial Need

SSI is a need-based program for people with limited income and resources, including people who have little or no work history, and children with disabilities.

• Who it is for: people with a disability and limited income and resources.
• Income and assets: strict limits apply. Resources are limited to $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, with some items, such as a primary home, not counted.
• Benefit amount: a federal base rate that adjusts each year, which some states supplement.
• Health coverage: SSI recipients are generally eligible for Medicaid, though the rules vary by state.

Can You Receive Both?

Some people qualify for both SSDI and SSI, often when their SSDI benefit is small. This is sometimes called concurrent benefits. In that case, SSDI income can reduce the SSI payment.

Which Program Might Apply to You?

| | SSDI | SSI | |---|---|---| | Based on | Work history and credits | Financial need | | Asset limits | None | Yes | | Health coverage | Medicare (after a waiting period) | Medicaid (in most states) | | Typical applicant | Worker with recent work history | Low income or limited work history |

Whether you qualify for either program depends on your medical condition, your work history, and your finances. The SSA can tell you which you may be eligible for when you apply.

Next Steps

If you are considering applying, gather your medical records, work history, and income information. You can apply online at ssa.gov or by phone. Disability Aid Pro is an advertising and marketing service and does not determine eligibility or approve claims.

Sources and Further Reading

• SSA: Benefits for people with disabilities
• SSA: Supplemental Security Income
• SSA: How we decide if you are disabled