The core difference: who you are versus what you've paid in

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two separate programs that both pay monthly benefits to people with disabilities, but they work on completely different rules. SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you've paid into Social Security. SSI is based on your current income and assets, regardless of whether you've ever worked. The program you receive from depends on which one you're may be able to access for — and you might be may be able to access for both.

If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes, SSDI is likely your path. If you haven't worked much, or if your work history doesn't meet Social Security's requirements, SSI may be your option instead. Some people receive both programs at the same time, though the total amount is usually capped.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history.
  • SSDI benefit amounts are based on your past earnings; SSI benefit amounts are set by the federal government and vary by state.
  • SSDI has no resource limit (you can own a house, a car, and savings); SSI limits you to $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 if married).
  • You can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time, though your total monthly payment is usually limited to the federal SSI rate.
  • Family members can receive benefits on your SSDI record; family members cannot receive benefits on your SSI record.

How your work history determines which program you receive

Social Security tracks your earnings record from the moment you start working. To receive SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. The exact number of credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled, but most people under 31 need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, and most people 31 and older need 40 credits total with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years.

If you don't have enough work credits, you won't may have access to for SSDI — but you may still may have access to for SSI if your income and resources are low enough. SSI doesn't care whether you've ever worked. It's designed for people with disabilities who have little or no income, whether they're 18 years old and have never had a job, or 65 and retired.

You can check your own earnings record by creating an account at ssa.gov and viewing your Social Security Statement. This shows you exactly how many credits you've earned and when.

How benefit amounts are calculated differently

SSDI benefit amounts are based on your lifetime average earnings. Social Security calculates this by looking at your 35 highest-earning years and averaging them. The more you earned while working, the higher your SSDI benefit will be. Someone who worked full-time at higher wages will receive more than someone who worked part-time or at lower wages.

SSI benefit amounts are not based on your earnings history at all. Instead, the federal government sets a maximum monthly payment amount, which changes each year. In 2024, the federal SSI rate is $943 per month for an individual, though some states add extra money on top of the federal amount. Your actual SSI payment depends on your current income — if you have other income, your SSI payment is reduced dollar-for-dollar.

Because SSDI is based on your work history, two people with the same disability can receive very different amounts. Because SSI is based on a federal maximum, most SSI recipients receive roughly the same amount (unless they live in a state that supplements the federal rate).

Resource limits: what you're allowed to own

SSDI has no resource limit. You can own a house, own a car, have a savings account with thousands of dollars, and still receive your full SSDI benefit. Social Security only cares about your work history and your current disability — not how much money you have in the bank.

SSI has strict resource limits. You can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources if you're single, or $3,000 if you're married. Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Some things don't count toward the limit: your primary home, one vehicle, household goods, and life insurance up to $1,500 in face value. If your resources exceed the limit, you lose SSI may be able to access until your resources drop back down.

This difference matters most if you inherit money, receive a settlement, or have savings. With SSDI, you can keep it all. With SSI, you may need to spend it down or lose your benefits.

Family benefits: who else can receive money on your record

When you receive SSDI, your family members may also be able to receive benefits based on your work record. Your spouse, ex-spouse (if married 10 years or longer), and children under 19 (or up to 23 if in high school full-time) can all potentially receive payments. The total amount paid to your whole family is capped at a percentage of your benefit, but each family member gets their own payment.

SSI does not have family benefits. Only the person with the disability receives a payment. A spouse or child cannot receive SSI based on someone else's disability.

This is one of the largest practical differences between the two programs. A parent on SSDI can provide income to their children; a parent on SSI cannot.

How income affects your payment

SSDI has an earnings limit, but it's generous. In 2024, you can earn up to $1,550 per month and still receive your full SSDI benefit (the limit is higher for blind individuals). If you earn more than that, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. This limit applies only to work income — it doesn't explore to other income like pensions, investments, or rental income.

SSI is much stricter. Any income you receive reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar, with some exceptions. The first $65 of monthly earnings and half of earnings above that are not counted, but everything else counts. If you receive $100 in monthly income, your SSI payment drops by roughly $18. If you receive $500 in monthly income, your SSI payment drops by roughly $218.

This means SSI recipients have a much harder time working or earning money without losing benefits. SSDI recipients can work more freely, at least up to the earnings limit.

Medicare versus Medicaid: what health coverage comes with each

SSDI recipients receive Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. Medicare is federal health insurance that covers hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs (with some gaps and costs). You pay premiums for Medicare, though they're usually deducted from your SSDI payment.

SSI recipients receive Medicaid, which is state-run health insurance for low-income people. Medicaid covers more services than Medicare in most states, including dental and vision care, but the coverage varies by state. You don't pay premiums for Medicaid.

This matters for your actual healthcare costs. If you're on SSDI and Medicare, you may pay more out-of-pocket than someone on SSI and Medicaid, depending on your state and your specific health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you meet the disability requirements for both programs, you can receive both. However, your total monthly payment is usually capped at the federal SSI rate ($943 in 2024 for an individual). Social Security will pay your SSDI first, then add SSI to bring you up to that cap if needed. This is called "concurrent benefits."

What happens to my SSDI if I go back to work?

You can earn up to $1,550 per month in 2024 without losing any benefits. Above that, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn. You also have a nine-month trial work period where you can test your ability to work without any benefit reduction, regardless of how much you earn. After the trial work period ends, the earnings limit applies.

If I'm denied for SSDI, can I get SSI instead?

Not automatically. You have to request SSI separately. However, if you're denied for SSDI because you don't have enough work credits, you should ask Social Security to also consider you for SSI. They can evaluate both programs at the same time, though the disability decision is the same for both.

Does my spouse's income affect my SSI payment?

Yes. SSI counts your spouse's income as if it were yours (with some exceptions for certain types of income). If your spouse earns money, your SSI payment will be reduced. This is called "deeming" and it applies to married couples living together.

Can I own a house and still receive SSI?

Yes, your primary home doesn't count toward the $2,000 resource limit. However, if you own a second property, that counts as a resource and could push you over the limit. You also need to make sure your income stays low enough to may have access to for SSI, which can be difficult if you own rental property.