1. What Are SSI and SSDI?

Before understanding how you can receive both, it’s important to know the difference:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid. You qualify if you have sufficient work credits and meet SSA’s definition of disability.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. It is funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security taxes, and does not require a work history.

2. When Can You Receive Both?

You can receive concurrent benefits if:

• Your SSDI benefit amount is low enough to qualify for SSI payments under federal and North Carolina income limits
• You meet SSA’s financial requirements for SSI, including low income and resources below $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples

3. Why Would Someone Receive Both?

People who qualify for concurrent benefits often:

• Have limited work history or low lifetime earnings, resulting in a small SSDI payment
• Need SSI to supplement SSDI to help meet basic living expenses
• Benefit from Medicaid eligibility through SSI while receiving Medicare through SSDI after the 24-month waiting period

4. How Does Receiving Both Affect Payments?

Your SSI payment will be reduced by your SSDI income. For example:

• If your SSDI payment is lower than the federal SSI benefit rate ($943/month for an individual in 2025), SSI will add funds to bring you up to the SSI payment level, adjusted for any state supplements and your financial situation.

5. Other Benefits of Receiving Both

Receiving both SSI and SSDI may:

• Provide access to Medicaid immediately through SSI, even while you wait for Medicare eligibility after 24 months on SSDI
• Increase financial stability if your SSDI payment alone is not enough to cover living costs

6. How to Apply for Both

When you apply for disability benefits:

• SSA will determine whether you qualify for SSDI based on your work record
• If your SSDI payment is low, they will also evaluate you for SSI eligibility based on your income and resources
• You do not need to file two separate applications; SSA reviews eligibility for both programs automatically