You can receive both disability and Social Security, but the rules depend on which disability program you're in and your age

The short answer: yes, but "both" means different things depending on which disability program pays you. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are already receiving Social Security — it is the same payment. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can also receive other Social Security benefits, but the total amount you get may be reduced. The key is understanding which program you are in and what other Social Security payments you might be may have access to to.

The confusion usually comes from mixing up the programs themselves. SSDI is a Social Security benefit based on your work record or your parent's work record. SSI is a needs-based program run by Social Security but funded differently. A person on SSI might also receive a Social Security retirement or survivor benefit based on a family member's record — and that changes how much SSI they get.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI is Social Security; you cannot receive SSDI and a separate Social Security payment at the same time, but you receive one or the other based on your situation.
  • SSI recipients can receive an additional Social Security benefit (like a spouse's retirement benefit), but the total household payment is reduced by the amount of the additional benefit.
  • If you are on SSDI and reach full retirement age, your benefit converts to a retirement benefit but the payment amount stays the same.
  • Earning income above the work incentive limits can reduce or stop both SSDI and SSI payments, so reporting work is required.

SSDI and Social Security are the same program

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are receiving a Social Security benefit. You cannot receive SSDI and also receive a separate Social Security retirement or survivor benefit at the same time. You receive one benefit based on the highest amount you are may have access to to.

However, your family members may be able to receive benefits on your SSDI record. If you have a spouse or children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school), they can receive family benefits based on your work history. Those payments do not reduce your SSDI amount — they are separate payments to them.

When you reach full retirement age (between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year), your SSDI benefit automatically converts to a retirement benefit. The payment amount does not change, but the program name changes in Social Security's records. You remain on the same benefit.

SSI and other Social Security benefits can overlap, with limits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different. You can receive SSI and also receive another Social Security benefit — such as a retirement benefit based on your own work record, or a spouse's or parent's benefit. But Social Security will reduce your SSI payment by the amount of the other benefit you receive.

For example: if you receive $943 per month in SSI and you also may have access to for a $400 monthly benefit on your parent's Social Security record, Social Security will pay you $400 and reduce your SSI to $543 (the total stays near the SSI limit, not the sum of both). The reduction is called deemed income.

This matters most if you are on SSI and a family member's Social Security benefit becomes available to you — such as when a parent retires or passes away. You should report this to Social Security immediately, because the change affects your SSI amount and your other benefits like Medicaid or SNAP.

Work and earnings rules apply to both programs

If you are on SSDI or SSI, you can work and earn money, but there are limits. Exceeding those limits can reduce or stop your benefits. The rules are different for each program.

On SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024; this amount changes yearly) without losing benefits. This is called substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you earn more than this for nine months in a row, Social Security will stop your benefits. However, SSDI includes work incentives that let you test work for longer — such as the Trial Work Period, which lets you work and earn any amount for nine months without losing benefits.

On SSI, the earnings limit is lower: $65 per month, plus half of earnings above that. So if you earn $200 per month, Social Security counts $65 as excluded, then half of the remaining $135 ($67.50), reducing your SSI by $67.50. SSI also has work incentives, including the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), which lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing benefits.

Both programs require you to report work and earnings. Failing to report can result in overpayments that you must repay.

How to know which program you are on

Your Social Security statement or award letter will say whether you receive SSDI or SSI. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask. The distinction matters because the rules for other benefits, work incentives, and family payments are different.

If you are unsure whether you may have access to for one program or the other, or whether you might may have access to for both, you can contact your local Social Security office or call the number above. Social Security staff can review your work history and family situation to explain which programs you might be may have access to to.

What happens if you receive disability and reach retirement age

When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefit converts to a retirement benefit automatically. The payment amount does not change. You do not need to do anything — Social Security handles the conversion in its records.

If you are on SSI, reaching retirement age does not change your SSI payment or your status. You remain on SSI as long as you meet the income and resource limits. However, if you also become may have access to to a retirement benefit on your own record or a family member's record, that benefit will reduce your SSI as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSDI and a spouse's Social Security benefit at the same time?

No. You receive whichever benefit is higher. Social Security pays one benefit per person based on the highest amount you are may have access to to. Your spouse can receive their own benefit or a benefit based on your record, but you cannot receive two Social Security benefits simultaneously.

If I am on SSI and inherit money, do I lose my benefits?

SSI has strict resource limits: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple (in 2024). An inheritance that pushes you over the limit will stop your SSI. However, some inheritances can be excluded if placed in certain trusts. Report any inheritance to Social Security immediately to understand how it affects your benefits.

Do I have to report other income if I am on SSDI?

You must report work and earnings. Other income — such as gifts, unemployment, or family support — does not reduce SSDI. However, if you receive SSI, most types of income reduce your payment, so reporting is critical for SSI recipients.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in terms of family benefits?

SSDI allows family members (spouse, children, parents) to receive benefits on your record without reducing your payment. SSI does not have family benefits. If you are on SSI and a family member receives a Social Security benefit, that benefit reduces your SSI payment.

Can I work while on disability without losing my benefits?

Yes, within limits. SSDI allows up to $1,550 monthly earnings (2024) before benefits are affected, plus work incentives like the Trial Work Period. SSI allows $65 monthly plus half of earnings above that. Both programs have additional work incentives designed to help you return to work gradually. Report all work to Social Security.