How Much Does SSI and SSDI Pay Together?

The Social Security Administration offers two programs that pay benefits to disabled Americans who cannot work: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can receive benefits from both of these programs at the same time. However, there is a limit: the combined benefits cannot exceed $943.

Still, if you qualify for both, applying for SSDI and SSI can be helpful for a few reasons, like if you need health insurance fast. Read more to learn about receiving SSDI and SSI at the same time.

How much does SSI and SSDI pay together?

If you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, the combined maximum payment you can receive is $943 per month in 2024. Your total monthly payment does not equal the maximum amounts for SSDI and SSI together. 

Here’s how it works: If your monthly SSDI benefit is lower than the SSI federal benefit rate ($943), you can receive a supplementary SSI payment to bring you up to $943. So, even though you can get both SSDI and SSI, your total payment will be capped at $943.

It’s important to note that the Social Security Administration adjusts the value of its benefits each year based on inflation and the increase in the cost of living. 

Concurrent benefits example

Receiving benefits for both programs at the same time is called “concurrent benefits.”  Your combined benefit amount cannot exceed $943, which is the federal benefit rate for SSI in 2024.

Let’s say you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, but your monthly payment amount is $800. Because that is lower than the maximum federal benefit rate for SSI, you’re eligible for a supplementary SSI payment to make up the difference.

$943 (SSI federal benefit rate) - $800 (SSDI payment amount) = $143 (supplementary SSI payment)

So, in this example, your monthly benefit payment of $800 is supplemented with $143, bringing you up to the capped amount of $943.

How do you qualify for both SSDI and SSI?

SSDI and SSI share some of the same basic qualifications, but they are two separate programs with different eligibility requirements.

To qualify for SSDI, you must:

• Be disabled under government rules (be unable to hold a job for a year because of your medical condition)

• Have 40 work credits (showing you’ve paid Social Security taxes) 

To qualify for SSI, you must:

• Be disabled under government rules (be unable to hold a job for a year because of your medical condition)

• Have very few assets (less than $2,000 for individuals or less than $3,000 for couples)

• Have very limited countable income from any source

If you’re eligible for SSDI and have paid taxes but have a limited work history or low earnings, you can receive a supplementary SSI payment of up to $943 a month.

Should I apply for both SSDI and SSI?

If you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, you should apply for both. Here is why concurrent benefits might be beneficial to you:

• Waiting period: If you get approved for SSDI benefits, you’ll have to wait five months to receive SSDI payments. SSI benefits begin as soon as approved. If approved for both programs, the immediate SSI payments can give you something to fall back on while you wait for your full benefits.

• Back pay: SSI recipients get a lump sum payment to cover the period from the application submission to approval. SSDI recipients also have a five-month waiting period for back pay, so it can be helpful if you also get SSI.

• Health insurance: SSDI benefits include Medicare, and SSI benefits include Medicaid. Claimants receiving concurrent benefits can get dual coverage. Medicare is the primary plan, and Medicaid is the secondary plan, covering health care costs that Medicare typically does not cover.

How to apply for both SSDI and SSI

You can apply for both SSDI and SSI on the main SSDI application, Form SSA-16. You can find Form SSA-16 on SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. 

Question 21 on the application form asks if you’re applying for other disability benefits programs in addition to SSDI. Check off “Yes” in 21b and “Supplemental Security Income” in 21b. The SSA will then process your application for both disability programs simultaneously.

Get help with your disability application

Atticus can help you apply for disability benefits. Take our 2-minute quiz to see which programs you qualify for, and a member of our team can offer personalized advice about your options. If you’d like, we can also connect you with a disability lawyer who can help with your case. 

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Related resources:

Everything You Should Know About Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI)

By Sarah Aitchison

An Easy-to-Follow Guide to Applying for Disability Benefits

By Jackie Jakab