The Social Security Administration oversees two programs that pay disability benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or “disability”). Each has its own non-medical requirements to be approved for disability benefits.
Some people collect SSI and SSDI at the same time through what the Social Security Administration calls “concurrent benefits” or a “concurrent claim.” Concurrent benefits generally come about when a person with little income and limited resources has only a short work history at jobs where they paid Social Security taxes on their earnings or worked at low-paying jobs.
Overview Of SSI And SSDI
SSDI is a disability benefits program for workers who pay into the Social Security retirement system. If a worker becomes disabled and unable to work before reaching retirement age, they can apply for SSDI benefits, which are calculated using an individual’s average lifetime earnings.
SSI is a needs-based program that does not require a work history. Instead of basing the amount of monthly benefits on a claimant’s earnings from working, a maximum federal benefit amount is established annually by the government. Currently, the maximum monthly federal benefit is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
If you apply for SSI benefits, the amount you actually receive may be less than the maximum federal benefit. Certain sources of income count toward reducing monthly SSI benefits, including:
- Earnings from working.
- Social Security benefits, such as SSDI.
- Pensions, state disability benefits, and unemployment benefits.
Some income may be excluded to reduce its effect on your monthly SSI benefits. For example, the first $65 and one-half of the remaining wages earned from working may be excluded. When a person is approved for dual SSI SSDI benefits, a general income exclusion of $20 can be used to reduce the effect of the SSDI benefits on the amount of the individual’s SSI monthly payment.
Concurrent Benefits
Can you get SSI and disability together is a determination made by the Social Security Administration when you submit an application for both programs. The SSA decides if you worked long enough and recently enough to meet the non-medical requirements for the SSDI program.
It also determines whether your income and resources are within the limits for the SSI program. For instance, individuals cannot have resources with a value in excess of $2,000. The resource limit for couples is $3,000.
If you meet the criteria for receiving SSI and SSDI simultaneously, the SSA may approve you for concurrent benefits. Benefits include medical coverage through Medicare for the SSDI program and Medicaid for the SSI program. However, a 24-month waiting period generally applies before Medicare coverage starts under the SSDI program. Medicaid benefits can be available upon approval.
How Much Can You Get In Current Benefits?
If approved to collect SSI and SSDI at the same time, your SSDI monthly benefits, minus a $20 exclusion, reduce your monthly SSI payments. So, if you are approved to receive $400 monthly from SSDI, only $380 counts as income to reduce your SSI benefits.
SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement payments when a recipient reaches their retirement age. The change from SSDI to retirement benefits should not affect your SSI disability benefits, even if you are no longer disabled or blind. The SSI program pays benefits to individuals who are not blind or disabled, provided they are at least 65 years of age and meet the income and resource limitations of the program.
Also, keep in mind that Medicaid serves as your primary source for payment of medical expenses until you receive Medicare coverage. When that happens, Medicare becomes the primary source of coverage, with Medicaid serving as the secondary coverage for medical expenses.
Consult A Disability Professional
Disability representatives provide valuable advice and representation when you need assistance with disability benefits, including applications and appeals. If you have questions about concurrent benefits, contact a disability professional.