The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those who need support. Understanding the differences between these programs and how they can be combined is crucial for maximizing your benefits. Here’s a guide to help you know whether you qualify for SSI and SSDI and how much you can receive from both programs together.
Understanding SSI and SSDI
Before exploring concurrent eligibility, let’s briefly review SSI and SSDI:
SSI
SSI is a need-based program that provides financial support to disabled individuals, blind people, and those over 65 with limited income and resources. Eligibility for SSI does not require a work history.
SSDI
SSDI benefits are available to those with a sufficient work history who have paid Social Security taxes. The amount received is based on lifetime earnings.
Qualifying for Both SSI and SSDI
You may qualify for benefits under both SSI and SSDI if you meet specific criteria:
- You have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition.
- You have limited income and resources within SSI eligibility guidelines.
- You have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes, qualifying you for SSDI.
How Much Does SSI and SSDI Pay Together?
The monthly amount you receive when you qualify for SSI and SSDI depends on several factors. As of 2023, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for eligible couples. Your SSDI benefits will be considered income when determining your SSI payment amount.
For example, if you are set to receive $300 per month from SSDI, the SSA classifies this as unearned income and excludes $20 of it. The remaining $280 will count against your SSI benefit. Therefore, your maximum SSI payment of $914 would be reduced to $634.
Impact of Other Income Sources on SSI and SSDI
The SSA considers various income sources when determining your eligibility and benefit amounts for SSI and SSDI:
- Earned income from work
- Unearned income, such as pensions, interest, or dividends
- In-kind income, such as food or shelter provided by others
It’s essential to understand how these income sources affect your benefits. For example, your SSI payment might be reduced if you receive income from a part-time job. When calculating your SSI benefit, the SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income and half of your earnings over that amount.
Continuing Disability Reviews for SSI and SSDI Recipients
Once you receive SSI or SSDI benefits, the SSA will periodically review your case to ensure you still meet the disability criteria. These reviews, called Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), occur every 3-7 years, depending on your condition’s nature and severity.
During a CDR, the SSA will request updated medical information and may ask you to attend a consultative examination. If they determine that your condition has improved and you are no longer disabled, your benefits may be terminated. However, if your disability persists, your benefits will continue.
Advantages of Receiving Both SSI and SSDI
Although SSDI benefits may reduce your monthly SSI payment, qualifying for concurrent benefits offers several advantages:
- Supplementing Low SSDI Benefits: If you worked a low-paying job long enough to be eligible for SSDI, SSI can supplement your reduced SSDI benefits.
- Immediate Income Support: SSI does not have a waiting period, providing income during the six months before SSDI payments begin.
- Medicaid Coverage: SSI recipients may be eligible for Medicaid, bridging the 24-month gap before Medicare coverage for SSDI beneficiaries.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: When you become eligible for Medicare through SSDI, Medicaid can act as a secondary carrier, covering prescriptions and deductibles that Medicare may not.
Applying for SSI and SSDI Together
To apply for both SSI and SSDI, you only need to complete one application, which can be done online, by phone, or in person. The application will ask for information about your medical condition, work history, income, and resources. The SSA will review your application to determine if you meet the non-medical criteria for both programs before assessing whether your disability qualifies you for benefits.
Get in Touch with Plan Benefits to Learn More
Figuring out your eligibility for SSI and SSDI can be confusing, given the requirements and forms involved. If you have questions about how much you may receive if you qualify for both programs, contact the disability advocates at Plan Benefits to learn how much SSI and SSDI pay together and file your claim.
Understanding these programs and their combined benefits can ensure you receive the financial support you need. Contact Plan Benefits today for guidance on your application process and on maximizing your benefits.
