If you’ve been asking, “can I get both SSDI and SSI?” you’re not alone—and the answer is yes, some people can. This situation is often called concurrent benefits, and it happens when you qualify medically for disability and meet both programs’ rules at the same time.
Most people assume Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)A U.S. government program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work d... and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are “either/or.” But if your SSDI monthly payment is low and you also meet SSI’s income and resource limits, SSI may help “top up” your total monthly support.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What to do next if you think you’re eligible
- The difference between SSDI and SSI
- The most common reasons people qualify for both
- How combined payments typically work
Key Takeaways
- You can get both SSDI and SSI in some cases; this is often called concurrent benefits.
- The most common reason people qualify for both is that their SSDI monthly payment is low, so SSI may help supplement it if they meet SSI limits.
- SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes, while SSI is needs-based and depends on your income and resources.
- When you receive both, SSI usually doesn’t “stack” on top of SSDI; instead, SSI is typically reduced by countable income (including SSDI) and may “fill the gap.”
- Getting both benefits can improve access to healthcare coverage, since SSDI may lead to MedicareA U.S. federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and for some younger people wi... after the waiting period and SSI may help with MedicaidA U.S. government program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, includin... eligibility (rules vary by state).
Can I Get Both SSDI And SSI?
Yes, some people can get both SSDI and SSI at the same time, and the Social Security system calls this receiving “concurrent benefits.”
This typically happens when:
- You qualify medically for disability, and
- You qualify for SSDI based on your work record, but
- Your SSDI payment is low enough that you still meet SSI’s strict income and resource limits.
Quick Answer
If your monthly SSDI benefit is low and you have very limited income/resources, SSI may “fill the gap” up to the federal SSI maximum (with some adjustments depending on your situation).
SSDI vs. SSI: The Simple Difference
| Topic | SSDI | SSI |
| What it is | Disability insuranceA form of insurance that provides income to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. tied to your work history | Needs-based assistance for people with low income/resources |
| Work history required | Yes | No |
| What matters most | Work credits + disability | Income/resources + disability (or age 65+) |
| Health coverage | Medicare after 24 months (most people) | In most states, SSI recipients may be automatically eligible for Medicaid |
Medicare timing: generally starts after you’ve received Social Security disability benefitsFinancial assistance provided to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, such as Soc... for 24 months (some exceptions apply).
Medicaid: in most states, SSI recipients may be automatically eligible, and an SSI application can also function as a Medicaid application.
Why Someone Might Get Both SSDI And SSI (Concurrent Benefits)
The most common reason is a low SSDI payment.
- Limited Or Low-Earning Work History
If you worked fewer years, worked part-time, or had low wages, your SSDI benefit can be modest. If you also meet SSI’s financial limits, SSI may supplement your income.
- You Meet SSI’s Resource Limit
SSI has a resource (asset) limit. The countable resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple (with some exclusions).
How Payments Work When You Receive Both
Here’s the key point: SSDI doesn’t stack on top of SSI. Instead, SSI is generally reduced by countable income (including SSDI), and may act like a supplement.
2026 Federal SSI Maximum (Baseline)
The monthly maximum federal SSI amounts for 2026 are:
- $994 for an eligible individual
- $1,491 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse
Your actual SSI can be lower based on countable income and living arrangement rules, and some states add a supplement.
Simple Example
- Your monthly SSDI benefit: $700
- 2026 federal SSI maximum (individual): $994
In many cases, SSI could potentially supplement the difference (subject to SSI counting rules) so your combined payment moves closer to the SSI maximum.
What About Healthcare If You Get Both?
- If you qualify for SSI, you may be automatically eligible for Medicaid in most states (state rules vary).
- If you qualify for SSDI, you typically get Medicare automatically after 24 months of disability benefits.
Why this matters: Some people end up with access to both programs, which can reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs (depending on state coordination rules).
How To Apply For Both SSDI And SSI
You don’t have to “choose” one first. Depending on your situation, you can apply for both, and the Social Security Administration will determine whether you qualify for one or both programs.
A practical approach:
- Apply for disability benefits (SSDI + SSI if you think you may qualify)
- Provide complete work history + medical evidence
- Be ready to document income/resources for SSI (bank balances, living arrangement, etc.)
Get Help Confirming If You Qualify For Both Benefits
HIf you’re wondering, “can I get both SSDI and SSI?” the safest next step is to check whether you meet SSDI’s work/medical rules and SSI’s strict income and resource limits, because that’s what determines “concurrent benefits.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes. You can apply, and the agencyThe capacity of individuals with disabilities to act independently and make their own choices. will tell you if you qualify for one or both.
If I get both, will I get “extra money” on top of SSI?
Usually, SSI acts as a supplement and is reduced by countable income like SSDI, so the combined amount often approaches (but doesn’t simply exceed) the SSI maximum, depending on your SSI calculation.
Will I get Medicare and Medicaid if I receive both?
Potentially. Medicare generally starts after 24 months of disability benefits, and Medicaid may come with SSI in most states (state rules vary).
If my SSDI increases, could my SSI stop?
Yes, if your countable income rises enough, SSI can be reduced to $0. That’s a common reason people move off SSI over time.
