You cannot receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time, but you may be able to receive one and then switch to the other

Social Security has two separate disability programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Social Security Administration does not allow you to collect both programs simultaneously. However, your situation may change over time — you might start on one program and later move to the other, or you might receive one program while a family member receives the other.

The reason you cannot draw both is that they serve different purposes. SSDI is an insurance program you pay into through payroll taxes during your working years. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Because SSI is means-tested, receiving SSDI income would disqualify most people from SSI anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI and SSDI are separate programs, and Social Security will not pay you from both at the same time.
  • If you receive SSDI, that income counts against SSI's income limits, which typically disqualifies you from SSI.
  • You may start on one program and later switch to the other if your circumstances change or if you become newly insured.
  • Some people receive SSI while a spouse or child receives SSDI based on a different person's work record.
  • If you were denied one program, you can still file for the other program separately.

How SSDI and SSI income limits work together

SSDI payments are not counted as "income" for SSI purposes in the way that wages are, but they do affect your SSI amount. If you receive SSDI, Social Security reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar by the SSDI amount you get. This reduction usually leaves you with no SSI payment at all.

For example, if the SSI federal benefit rate is $943 per month and you receive $800 in SSDI, Social Security would reduce your SSI to $143. If your SSDI payment meets or exceeds the SSI limit, you receive nothing from SSI. This is why most people on SSDI do not also receive SSI — the math does not work in their favor.

SSI has strict resource limits as well. You can own no more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual (or $3,000 as a couple). SSDI does not have resource limits, so having savings or assets does not affect SSDI payments.

When you might switch from SSI to SSDI

If you started on SSI because you had no work history or insufficient work credits, you can later become insured for SSDI if you work and pay into Social Security. Once you have enough work credits — typically 40 total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years — you become insured for SSDI based on your own record.

When this happens, you can request that Social Security switch you from SSI to SSDI. SSDI is usually the better program because it has no resource limits, no income limits, and you can earn more money without losing benefits. The switch is not automatic; you need to contact Social Security and ask them to evaluate your work record.

This transition can take several months while Social Security reviews your earnings record and determines your SSDI benefit amount. During this time, you typically remain on SSI. Once SSDI is approved, SSI ends.

When you might switch from SSDI to SSI

Switching from SSDI to SSI is less common but can happen if your SSDI benefit ends or if you lose your insured status. SSDI can end if you return to work and earn above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for more than nine months, or if you reach full retirement age and your benefit converts to a retirement benefit instead.

If your SSDI ends and you still have a disability, you may be able to file for SSI instead — but only if your income and resources fall within SSI limits. This is a harder path because SSI requires you to have very limited savings and income. You would need to contact Social Security and file a new SSI application.

Family members receiving benefits on different records

One person in a household can receive SSI while another receives SSDI, because SSDI is based on an individual's work record. For example, you might receive SSI as a disabled adult with no work history, while your spouse receives SSDI based on their own work record. These are two separate benefit streams and both can be paid.

Similarly, a child can receive SSI while a parent receives SSDI, or a child can receive SSDI as a dependent on a parent's work record while the parent receives SSDI on their own record. The programs are designed to work this way for families with multiple disabled or retired members.

What happens if you are denied one program

Being denied SSI does not prevent you from filing for SSDI, and vice versa. The programs use different rules and different evidence. Someone denied SSI because their resources are too high might still may have access to for SSDI if they have enough work credits. Someone denied SSDI because they lack work history might still may have access to for SSI if their income and resources are low enough.

If you are denied one program, you can appeal that decision or file for the other program. These are separate decisions. You do not have to wait for an appeal to finish before filing for the other program. Many people file for both programs at the same time to explore all options.

How to contact Social Security about your situation

If you want to know which program you are currently on, or if you want to explore switching programs, contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. Have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to discuss your work history, current income, and resources.

You can also create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to view your current benefits and work record. This account shows which program you are receiving and your monthly payment amount. If you believe you should be on a different program, Social Security can review your case and advise you on next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI and SSDI at the same time?

No. Social Security does not allow you to receive both programs simultaneously. However, if you receive SSDI, Social Security may pay you a small SSI amount if your SSDI payment is very low. In most cases, receiving one program disqualifies you from the other.

What if I work and earn money — does that affect both programs?

Yes, but differently. SSDI allows you to earn up to the SGA amount (around $1,550 per month in 2024, though this changes yearly) without losing benefits during a trial work period. SSI counts most earnings against your benefit and reduces your payment by roughly 65 cents for every dollar earned above $65 per month. Work affects SSI much more harshly.

If I am on SSI now, can I ever get SSDI instead?

Yes, if you work and earn enough work credits. You need 40 total credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Once you have these credits and still have a disability, you can ask Social Security to evaluate you for SSDI. This usually results in a higher benefit with fewer restrictions.

What if my disability improves and I no longer may have access to — do I lose everything?

If your condition improves and you no longer meet the disability definition, your benefits end. However, SSDI includes a nine-month trial work period where you can test your ability to work without losing benefits. SSI does not have this protection, so earnings affect it immediately. Either way, contact Social Security before you start working to understand how it affects your specific situation.

Can my child receive benefits while I receive benefits?

Yes. A child can receive SSI as a disabled child, or SSDI as a dependent on your work record, while you receive your own SSDI or SSI. These are separate benefit streams. The child's benefits do not reduce your payment, and your benefits do not reduce theirs.