You can receive both SSI and SSDI together, but the way they work together depends on your age and work history

The short answer is yes — you can get both programs at once. However, they are designed to work differently, and receiving one does not automatically mean you get the other. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is an earned benefit based on your own work record or a family member's work record. The combination you receive depends on whether you have enough work credits, your age when your disability began, and how much income you already have.

Most people who receive both are in one of two situations: they started on SSI as a child or young adult without work credits, then later earned enough work credits to switch to SSDI; or they receive SSDI but their benefit is so low that they also may have access to for SSI to bring their total income up to the federal minimum. The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles both programs, but they have separate rules about who qualifies and how much you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • You can receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time if you meet the requirements for each program separately.
  • SSDI is based on your own work record or a parent's or spouse's work record, while SSI is based on your current income and resources regardless of work history.
  • If you receive SSDI but your benefit is below the SSI federal benefit rate, you may also receive a small SSI payment to reach the minimum.
  • Your total monthly income from both programs combined cannot exceed the SSI limit, which varies by state but is set by the federal government.
  • If you are under 18 and disabled, you may start on SSI first, then switch to SSDI later if you or a parent has enough work credits.

How SSDI and SSI work together when you receive both

When you receive both programs, SSDI is considered your primary benefit. This means Social Security pays your SSDI first, then checks whether you also meet the income limits for SSI. If your SSDI payment is lower than the SSI federal benefit rate for your state, SSI adds a small amount to bring you up to that minimum. This is called deemed income — the SSA counts your SSDI as income when deciding your SSI amount.

For example, if the federal SSI benefit rate is $943 per month and your SSDI payment is $600, you may receive an additional $343 in SSI (minus any other income you have). However, your total cannot exceed the SSI limit. This combination is most common for people who have a low SSDI benefit because they did not work long enough to earn a higher amount, or because they became disabled before they could build a substantial work record.

The SSA will tell you in writing if you are receiving both programs and how much each one pays. You will see two separate payment amounts on your Social Security statement or in your online account at ssa.gov. Some months the amounts may change if your circumstances change — for instance, if you earn money from work, your SSI portion may decrease.

When you might receive both: common situations

The most common path to receiving both programs is starting on SSI as a young person without work credits, then later may have access to for SSDI. If you became disabled before age 22 and your parent or grandparent is retired, disabled, or deceased, you may be able to receive SSDI on their work record once you turn 18. If you also have low income and resources, you would continue to receive SSI until your SSDI benefit is high enough that you no longer meet the SSI income limit.

Another common situation is when you have worked and earned SSDI, but your benefit is very low. This can happen if you worked only part-time, took time out of the workforce, or became disabled early in your career. In this case, SSI "tops up" your SSDI to the federal minimum. You must still meet all other SSI rules — you cannot have more than $2,000 in resources (or $3,000 if you are married), and your living situation must be counted correctly.

A third situation occurs when you receive SSDI as a widow, widower, or adult child on a deceased worker's record, and that benefit is low. The same top-up rule applies: if your SSDI is below the SSI federal benefit rate, you may receive SSI as well.

Income and resource limits when you receive both

When you receive both SSI and SSDI, your total monthly income cannot exceed the SSI federal benefit rate for your state. The SSA counts your SSDI payment as income, along with any wages, pensions, or other money you receive. However, SSI has income exclusions — certain types of income that are not counted. For example, the first $65 per month of wages you earn, plus half of any wages above that, are not counted toward the SSI limit.

Your resources are also limited. You cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married and both receive SSI. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property you own — but not your home, your car (if you use it for work or medical treatment), or certain items like household goods. The SSA counts your SSDI as income, not as a resource, so receiving SSDI does not affect your resource limit.

If you earn money from work, you must report it to Social Security. Earned income can reduce or eliminate your SSI payment, but SSDI has different work incentives that allow you to earn more without losing your benefit. If you are receiving both, Social Security will explore the rules for each program separately and tell you how your earnings affect each one.

How to know if you may have access to for both programs

To receive SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability, and you (or your parent or spouse, depending on the type of SSDI) must have enough work credits. Work credits are earned by paying Social Security taxes on your wages. Most people need 40 credits to may have access to for SSDI on their own record, though younger workers need fewer.

To receive SSI, you must have a disability that meets the same medical definition, and you must have low income and resources. There is no work history requirement for SSI. If you meet both the medical requirement and the income and resource limits, you can receive both programs.

The SSA does not automatically enroll you in both programs. If you are already receiving one, you can contact Social Security to ask whether you might also may have access to for the other. You can reach Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or creating an account at ssa.gov to check your status.

What changes if you start working while receiving both

If you earn money from work, both programs have rules about how much you can earn before your benefits are reduced. SSDI has work incentives that allow you to keep more of your benefit while you work. For example, you can earn up to a certain amount (called the substantial gainful activity level, which changes each year) without losing your SSDI. You also have a trial work period of nine months where you can earn any amount without losing benefits.

SSI has stricter limits. The first $65 of monthly wages are not counted, and then half of any wages above that are counted as income. If your earnings push your total income above the SSI limit, your SSI payment decreases or stops. However, your SSDI continues as long as you are still disabled and your earnings do not exceed the SSDI work incentive limits.

Because the two programs have different work rules, it is important to report any earnings to Social Security right away. Social Security will calculate how your earnings affect each benefit separately and tell you what you will receive. Some people find that working a small amount reduces their SSI but does not affect their SSDI, so their total income actually increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am on SSI, do I automatically get SSDI if I become may be able to access?

No. You must meet the separate requirements for SSDI, which usually means you or a family member must have enough work credits. If you become may be able to access for SSDI, Social Security will not automatically switch you over. You can contact Social Security to ask about your may be able to access, or you can wait to see if they contact you. Once you may have access to for SSDI, your SSI will adjust based on your new SSDI amount.

Can I receive both if I am over 65?

If you are over 65, you cannot receive SSI. However, you can receive SSDI if you became disabled before age 65 and continue to meet the disability requirements. At 65, SSDI automatically converts to Social Security retirement benefits at the same payment amount. SSI ends at 65 for most people, though a small number of people over 65 can receive it under special rules.

What happens to my SSI if my SSDI increases?

If your SSDI increases, your SSI will decrease by the same amount (or stop entirely if your SSDI is now above the SSI federal benefit rate). The SSA counts your SSDI as income, so a higher SSDI payment means less room for SSI. You will receive a notice showing your new payment amounts for both programs.

Do I have to report both benefits on my taxes?

SSDI and SSI are both generally not taxable income. However, if you have other income above a certain threshold, part of your SSDI may become taxable. SSI is never taxable. You should receive a statement from Social Security showing what you received each year. A tax professional can help you determine whether you owe taxes on your benefits.

What if I think I should be receiving both but I am only getting one?

Contact Social Security to ask about your situation. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local office, or log into your account at ssa.gov. Explain that you are currently receiving one benefit and ask whether you might also may have access to for the other. Social Security will review your work history, income, and resources to determine whether you meet the requirements for both programs.