Social Security offers two disability programs—Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Though both provide benefits to disabled individuals, they differ significantly in eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and associated healthcare coverage. Understanding these differences helps you apply for the right program.
The Fundamental Difference
SSDI is an insurance program—you qualify based on paying into Social Security through work. SSI is a welfare program—you qualify based on financial need. SSDI requires work history; SSI requires limited income and resources.
Some people qualify for both programs simultaneously.
Work History Requirements
SSDI requires sufficient "work credits" earned by paying Social Security taxes through employment. You need roughly 40 credits (10 years of work), with 20 credits earned in the past 10 years. Younger workers need fewer credits.
SSI has no work history requirement. You could qualify even if you've never worked. This makes SSI important for people disabled since childhood or those without substantial work history.
Income and Resource Limits
SSDI has no income or resource limits for eligibility. You can have significant savings, own property, or have a working spouse and still qualify—only your disability matters.
SSI requires limited income and resources. Individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources; couples cannot exceed $3,000. Income above certain thresholds reduces or eliminates benefits.
Benefit Amounts
SSDI benefits are based on your lifetime earnings—the more you earned, the higher your benefit (up to a maximum). Average SSDI payments are typically higher than SSI.
SSI pays a standard federal rate (plus any state supplement), regardless of past earnings. The federal rate is lower than average SSDI benefits.
Healthcare Coverage
SSDI leads to Medicare—but only after a 24-month waiting period. You must receive SSDI for two years before Medicare coverage begins.
SSI typically provides immediate Medicaid in most states. There's no waiting period. For people needing immediate healthcare, SSI's Medicaid connection can be crucial.
Disability Definition
Both programs use the same disability standard—inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment expected to last 12 months or result in death. The same five-step evaluation process applies.
If you're disabled under one program's definition, you're disabled under the other.
Concurrent Benefits
Some people receive both SSDI and SSI simultaneously. This happens when SSDI benefits are very low (due to limited work history or low earnings) and you also meet SSI's financial requirements.
SSI "tops up" the SSDI payment. You get the SSDI amount plus enough SSI to reach the SSI benefit level.
Effect of Other Income
SSDI isn't reduced by other income (except for workers' compensation or other disability benefits in some cases). You can have investment income, a spouse's income, or other resources without affecting your SSDI.
SSI is reduced by almost all income. Earned and unearned income, in-kind support, and even living arrangements affect your SSI payment.
Family Benefits
SSDI can provide benefits to family members—spouses, divorced spouses, and children may receive auxiliary benefits based on your SSDI entitlement.
SSI has no family benefits. Only the disabled individual receives SSI payments.
Which Should You Apply For?
Apply for both if there's any chance you qualify for each. Social Security will determine your eligibility for both programs from a single application. Many applicants don't realize they might qualify for both.
Getting Legal Help
Disability attorneys handle both SSI and SSDI claims. They can evaluate which programs you might qualify for and help you navigate applications for each. The same attorney can handle combined applications and appeals.