The Social Security Administration provides two types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Often, people wonder if they can collect both types of benefits at the same time. The short answer is “yes”—with certain qualifying conditions. This is called filing a “concurrent claim.” Let’s examine the two types of benefits and what is required to apply for each.
What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
The Social Security Administration requires that an individual have a qualifying medical disability that has rendered them unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more, in order to receive either type of disability benefit.
To determine whether a condition is considered a qualifying disability, the Social Security Administration often consults its “Blue Book.” This guide contains a wide variety of medical conditions and their accompanying symptoms. Those who can establish that they have one of these medical conditions through sufficient medical proof may qualify for disability benefits. If a condition is not listed in the Blue Book, that doesn’t necessarily mean that benefits will be denied. It simply means that additional proof may be needed to establish a disability.
While SSDI and SSI share these two conditions in common, they differ in that in order to receive SSDI benefits, an individual must have been “insured.” This means that the person worked a qualifying job for a sufficient length of time and regularly paid a portion of their salary into the Social Security system. SSDI benefits are ultimately paid out based on the individual’s work and earning history, as opposed to being paid out on the basis of the condition itself.
To receive SSI benefits, on the other hand, an individual does not need to be “insured.” Instead, the individual must have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. It is, essentially, a program to provide financial support to disabled individuals who earn low income. The income limit may change yearly, so it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney regarding your particular circumstances. As with SSDI benefits, SSI benefits do not vary based upon the condition itself.
Often, those who receive SSDI benefits receive too much as a monthly amount to also qualify for receipt of SSI benefits – although it can happen in certain situations.
How Can I Qualify for Both Programs?
In 2024, the income limit to qualify for SSI benefits is $943 for an individual or $1415 for a couple. As a result, in order to receive both SSDI and SSI, the amount of SSDI received will usually be fairly low if an individual is receiving both.
This Can Happen In Certain Circumstances, Including:
- The individual worked a low-paying job.
- The individual suffered a disability early in their career.
- The individual did not work full-time in the ten years before the impairment.
In each of these situations, an applicant’s SSDI amount would be low because he or she would not have paid a sufficient amount into the Social Security system to increase the benefit amount. If this is the case, an individual may receive SSI benefits sufficient to supplement SSDI benefits and bring the total benefit amount up to the limit for that year.
How Do I Apply for Concurrent Benefits?
To apply for concurrent benefits, an individual will follow essentially the same process as if he or she were applying for either type of benefit on its own. Generally, the Social Security Administration will decide whether a claim is concurrent depending upon the applicant’s circumstances, including work history and total income and assets.
Even though your monthly benefit amount will not exceed the limits set by the Social Security Administration, there are some advantages regardless of whether you receive concurrent benefits. One important advantage is that you may be eligible for Medicare as an SSDI recipient. Those who receive only SSI benefits can typically only receive Medicaid alone. Qualifying for both can help make medical care easier and more accessible.
Struggling with a disability is difficult in a number of ways. Certainly, it can be difficult from a financial perspective. At Liner Legal, we understand that you want to maximize the amount of benefits you can receive, and we’re here to help.
Call Liner Legal Today
At Liner Legal, we understand every aspect of disability law. Regardless of whether you are pursuing SSDI, SSI benefits, or both, we can help you understand the requirements of these programs and the best strategies to pursue the benefits you need and deserve. Whether filing an initial claim, pursuing an appeal, or facing any issue in between, we can help. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
