SSDI and SSI payments are both programs that fall under the Social Security Administration (SSA). They have different eligibility criteria.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• SSDI provides income to adults who are unable to work and earn countable income that is more than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to disability and have contributed into Social Security through Social Security payroll taxes from recent employment. To be eligible, the work record of the person that the benefits are paid under, must have enough work credits. Work credits are earned by paying FICA/Social Security taxes on earnings. The number of work credits needed increases based upon the person’s age when they apply for benefits. Some people may qualify through a spouse’s, or parents’ work record.
• In addition to medical factors, eligibility is based upon the person’s inability to work and earn more than $1,620 or $2,700 if blind (2025), in countable earnings in any month, for 12 months.
• Family members of the disabled individual may also be eligible for dependent benefits.
• Individuals who are approved for SSDI have a 5-month waiting period before SSDI is paid. Most must also wait24 months before they receive Medicare. There are exceptions for ALS disease and end stage renal disease so that Medicare starts without a waiting period.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to children and to adults who are disabled or blind and have limited income and resources. The program also pays a benefit to individuals age 65 and older who do not have a disability. They may or may not qualify for retirement benefits but if their income and savings are low enough, it may be supplemented with SSI.
• In most states, eligibility for SSI includes Medicaid eligibility. In some states a person who is SSI eligible needs to apply for Medicaid. Some states also provide a state supplement payment for residents who receive SSI.

Some individuals may receive SSDI and SSI if their income and resources are limited.

A person can sign up online at My SSA Account to see if their work history indicates that they have enough work credits to be fully insured. Their estimated payment amount would be shown  there too. Otherwise, a person who has not worked long enough or recently enough could apply for SSI.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages people to apply directly online or to make an appointment to file by phone as soon as the person becomes disabled.

A person who has a severe physical or mental disability that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least one year or more or result in death may apply if they also are limited in their ability to work. If a person is able to work and their monthly earnings are more than $1,620 a month or more than $2,790 (if blind) the person is not eligible for SSDI or SSI.  Unlike some organizations or government programs, SSA does not pay benefits for partial disability or for short term disability of less than 12 months.

If the person is not working or if their earnings are under the countable income limits, they can apply if they have a severe impairment or a combination of impairments. There are two programs under which SSA pays a monthly benefit based on a disability:

• Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) can pay adults (called wage earners) who are ages 18 up to their full retirement age, 67) If, they have worked long enough and recently enough and paid Social Security income taxes. If approved, the wage earner’s eligible dependent children can be paid a benefit called Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) if the child is over age 18 when that adult child’s disability began before age 22. Benefits may also be paid to various dependents or to a  surviving disabled widow/widower (DWB) who is between the age of 50-60 and meets certain technical rules of eligibility.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits are paid to children and adults who have limited income and limited resources. If a child is under age 18, the parent’s income and resources (savings) are counted to determine eligibility After age 18 the parent’s income and resources (savings) are no longer considered.
  • If an SSI applicant has more than $2,000 or $3,000 for a couple, in countable resources, they may want to consider opening an ABLE account for saving cash. ABLE savings up to $100,000 are not counted as a resource for SSI.
  • Keep in mind that SSI benefit amounts vary based upon living arrangements. A person who pays their fair share of rent may receive 1/3 more SSI benefits, up to the full federal benefit rate. That is why many parents charge their adult child who receives SSI benefits rent. This is a strategy that can bring more money into the household to cover the extra expenses associated with having a disability. The extra money may even be deposited, saved and invested in an ABLE account.

If you have questions about which benefit you may qualify for, you may want to telephone SSA before filing or starting the process at (800) 772-1213.

If you don’t agree with a decision the Social Security Administration (SSA) made, you have opportunities to appeal the decision. The process starts by asking the SSA to reconsider their decision and it must be requested within 60 days of the date the notice of denial is received.  If you are denied again then you can continue through the appeals process by requesting a hearing with a Social Security Administrative Law judge. Your local Center for Independent Living may be able to assist you.

If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: Either 62 years of age or older, or any age and have in your care a child younger than age 16, or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks to see how much a person has earned and paid in payroll taxes (FICA) taxes over their years of working. This is called an earnings test.  A person must have sufficient credits to be eligible or the person is automatically denied benefits before SSA even evaluates the disability. The number of credits needed depends on the person’s age. The SSDI benefit amount may be more for a person who had higher wages.

You can open a my Social Security account to help you estimate future benefits or manage benefits you already receive.

In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple who are married and both disabled. Your amount may be lower based on your income, certain family members’ income, your living arrangement, or other factors. A person’s state may also supplement that monthly payment.

The amount may be higher if you live in a state that supplements an SSI payment. Most states supplement the payment but six do not: Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The amount of the supplement depends upon whether a person pays for their fair share of rent and if they live alone or with others.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes the Red Book to share their incentives and supports for people who choose to work to reach an employment goal to secure their financial well-being. SSA has special rules that allow disability beneficiaries to work without jeopardizing their payments or Medicare/Medicaid benefits.

The LEAD Center, under the Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, also shares their support and provides a path forward, depending upon  where you are in your employment journey:  Preparing for a Job, Starting a Job, Maintaining a Job, Changing or Losing a Job, and Retiring from a Job.