You cannot receive both SSI and SSDI payments simultaneously, but you may be able to receive one and then switch to the other

The Social Security Administration treats SSI and SSDI as separate programs with different rules about who can receive money from each. If you are already receiving one, you cannot also collect the other. However, your situation can change — you might start on one program and later move to the other based on your work history, age, or changes in your medical condition.

The reason for this rule is that both programs are designed to provide income support to people who cannot work. SSI is a needs-based program that looks at your total household income and resources. SSDI is an earned-benefit program based on your own or a family member's work record. Social Security does not allow you to stack both payments because doing so would exceed the income limits SSI sets, and because SSDI already accounts for your disability status.

Key Takeaways

  • You receive payment from either SSI or SSDI, not both at the same time, though you may transition from one to the other as your circumstances change.
  • If you are receiving SSI and later become may have access to to SSDI based on your own work record, SSDI becomes your primary payment and SSI stops.
  • If you are on SSDI and your benefit amount drops below a certain threshold, you may become may have access to to SSI to make up the difference, though this is rare.
  • The Social Security Administration will notify you if a change in your status affects which program you receive from, and the transition usually happens automatically.

How the transition works when you move from SSI to SSDI

If you are currently on SSI and you become may have access to to SSDI — usually because you reach age 62 and can claim on a parent's or spouse's work record, or because your work history now qualifies you — Social Security will stop your SSI payments and begin SSDI instead. This typically happens automatically once Social Security processes your SSDI claim. You do not need to ask for the switch; the agency handles it.

The timing matters because SSDI and SSI have different payment amounts. Your SSDI benefit is based on the earnings record it is tied to, while your SSI benefit is based on the federal benefit rate (which changes each year) minus any income you have. When you move to SSDI, your new payment amount will be whatever SSDI calculates, which may be higher or lower than what you were receiving on SSI. Social Security will explain the new amount in a notice before the change takes effect.

When you might receive both SSI and SSDI in rare circumstances

There is one narrow situation where you might receive a small SSI payment alongside SSDI: if your SSDI benefit is very low and falls below the SSI federal benefit rate. In this case, Social Security may pay you a small amount of SSI to bring your total up to the SSI rate. This is called SSI-SSDI deemed deemed or concurrent receipt, and it is uncommon.

This scenario usually occurs when someone has a very short work history or low lifetime earnings, so their SSDI benefit is calculated as a small amount. Social Security will determine this automatically when processing your SSDI claim. You do not need to request it separately. The SSI portion will be minimal — often just a few dollars per month — because it is only meant to close the gap between your SSDI amount and the SSI rate.

What happens to your resources and income limits when you switch programs

SSI has strict limits on how much money you can have in savings or other resources — currently $2,000 for an individual (though this amount can change). SSDI has no resource limit at all. This is one reason why moving from SSI to SSDI can be beneficial: you can save money without losing your benefits.

Income rules also differ. SSI counts most income you receive and reduces your benefit by a portion of it. SSDI has an earnings test that only applies if you are working; if you are not working, your SSDI benefit is not affected by other income like interest, pensions, or family support. When you transition from SSI to SSDI, these rules change immediately, and Social Security will explain how your new benefit will be calculated.

How to know which program you are on and what to do if you are unsure

Your Social Security award letter or benefit statement will clearly state whether you are receiving SSI or SSDI. The letter will say "Supplemental Security Income" or "Social Security Disability Insurance" near the top. You can also log into your my Social Security account online, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office to confirm your program.

If you receive a notice that your program is changing, read it carefully and contact Social Security if the reason is unclear. Social Security should explain why you are moving from one program to the other and what your new payment amount will be. Keep these notices in a safe place because you may need them later to prove which program you were on at a particular time.

What to do if you think you should be on SSDI instead of SSI

If you are on SSI and believe you have enough work history to may have access to for SSDI, contact Social Security to ask about your work record. You can request a detailed earnings record online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. Social Security will review your record and tell you whether you are may have access to to SSDI based on your own work or on a family member's work.

If you do may have access to for SSDI, Social Security will file the claim for you automatically in most cases — you do not need to submit a separate form. The agency will notify you once the claim is processed and will explain when your SSI will end and your SSDI will begin. The transition usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months depending on how quickly Social Security can verify your work record.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am on SSDI and my benefit gets cut — can I get SSI to make up the difference?

Possibly, but only if your SSDI benefit falls below the SSI federal benefit rate. This is rare and happens mainly when someone has very low lifetime earnings. Social Security will determine this automatically and notify you if you become may have access to to a small SSI payment. You do not need to request it.

If I switch from SSI to SSDI, do I lose my Medicaid?

Not automatically. Medicaid rules vary by state. Some states continue Medicaid for people who move from SSI to SSDI; others require a separate Medicaid application. Contact your state Medicaid office or ask Social Security at the time of your transition what will happen to your coverage.

Can I be on SSI and receive SSDI for a family member?

No. You cannot receive SSI and SSDI payments at the same time, even if the SSDI is based on someone else's work record. If you become may have access to to SSDI as a spouse or child, your SSI will stop and you will receive SSDI instead.

What if Social Security made a mistake and I received both SSI and SSDI in the same month?

Contact Social Security immediately to report the error. Overpayments must be repaid, but Social Security may work out a repayment plan if you cannot pay it back in one lump sum. The sooner you report it, the easier the process usually is.

How long does it take to switch from SSI to SSDI?

The transition usually takes two to eight weeks after Social Security approves your SSDI claim, depending on how quickly the agency can process the paperwork and update its systems. Social Security will send you a notice explaining when your SSI will end and when your SSDI will begin.