Depending on income, disability and work circumstances, some people may be able to receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits at the same time.
Applying for SSI and SSDI simultaneously is referred to as a concurrent claim. In situations where a person is receiving minimal SSD payments, they may also qualify for SSI benefits.
It is important to note that there are significant differences between SSI and SSDI:
- Supplemental Security Income – SSI is a needs based program that provides benefits to people with little or no income who are older, blind or disabled. It was created for people who do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Applicants must make less than a set income limit.
- Social Security Disability Insurance – SSDI is linked to the Social Security retirement program. It gives benefits to workers who have become disabled prior to retirement and who have worked long enough to pay into Social Security and earn work credits.
Qualifying for SSI and Disability Benefits
If your income and assets are low enough and if you paid enough into Social Security while you were working, it may be possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI. In order to do this, your income from SSDI must be below $733 per month, which is the current SSI payment amount. This maximum amount, however, may be different in some states and under some specific circumstances.
Receiving concurrent benefits will not mean that you receive a higher monthly benefit than if you were solely receiving SSI benefits. Instead, your SSI payment will be lowered by the SSDI payment to match the maximum amount you can receive for SSI.
Whether you apply for SSI or SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration will determine if your claim is concurrent based on your total income and assets.
The Benefits of Concurrent Benefits
There are some benefits to concurrent claims. If a person is receiving a low SSDI payment per month, receiving SSI benefits will boost the benefit up to $733.
Collecting SSDI when eligible for SSI means that an applicant may be eligible for Medicare as a beneficiary of SSDI. Additionally, more physicians accept Medicare, so it could be easier to find a doctor. SSI recipients can only receive Medicaid which offers more coverage, but it may be challenging to find a provider.
For help applying for benefits or appealing a denied claim, contact the Phoenix disability benefits lawyers at Dayes Law Firm PC for a free consultation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form or call 1-800-503-2000.