Disability benefits are monthly cash payments from the federal government to people who cannot work because of a medical condition
There are two main programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both send money directly to your bank account each month, but they work differently and have different rules about how much you can earn or own.
SSDI is based on your work history—you or a family member paid Social Security taxes, and now you cannot work because of illness or injury. SSI is based on financial need, not work history. You can receive one program, both programs, or neither, depending on your situation.
The amount you receive each month depends on which program you are in, your work history (for SSDI), your household income and assets (for SSI), and the state you live in (SSI amounts vary by state). This article explains what each program is and who typically receives it.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI pays based on your own work record or a family member's work record; SSI pays based on financial need and your current income and assets.
- You can receive SSDI, SSI, both programs at the same time, or neither—it depends on your work history and how much money you have.
- Both programs require medical evidence that you cannot work, and both have rules about how much you can earn while receiving payments.
- SSDI and SSI are separate from other disability programs like workers' compensation or Veterans benefits, though you may be able to receive more than one.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Based on Work History
SSDI is a program for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work because of a medical condition. You do not have to be poor to receive SSDI—the program does not look at how much money you have or own. It only looks at whether you worked long enough and paid enough in taxes.
You can also receive SSDI based on someone else's work record. If you are the child of a worker who is disabled, retired, or deceased, you may receive benefits on their record. If you are the spouse of a disabled worker, you may also be able to receive benefits.
The amount of your monthly SSDI payment is based on how much money you earned during your working years. The Social Security Administration calculates this from your tax records. Someone who earned more during their career will typically receive a higher monthly payment than someone who earned less.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Based on Financial Need
SSI is a program for people with low income and few assets who cannot work because of a medical condition, are blind, or are age 65 or older. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. It is a needs-based program, which means the government looks at how much money you have coming in and how much you own.
If you have too much income or own too many assets, you will not receive SSI, even if you cannot work. The income and asset limits change each year. In 2024, the asset limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a couple is $3,000, but these numbers may change. Your state may also add extra money to the federal SSI payment, which changes the rules slightly.
SSI payments are lower than SSDI payments on average, because SSI is designed for people with very limited income and resources. The federal payment amount is the same in every state, but some states add their own money on top of it.
Medical Requirements for Both Programs
To receive either SSDI or SSI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration has a specific definition: your condition must last at least 12 months, result in death, or prevent you from doing any kind of work that exists in the national economy.
You will need medical records, test results, doctor's notes, and statements from your doctors about what you can and cannot do. The Social Security Administration will review all of this to decide whether your condition meets their definition of disability. Having a diagnosis alone is not enough—the agency needs to see how the condition affects your ability to work.
If you have already been found disabled by another program (such as workers' compensation or Veterans benefits), Social Security may still require its own medical review. Different programs use different standards, so approval from one does not automatically mean approval from another.
Work Rules and Earnings Limits
Both SSDI and SSI have rules about how much you can earn while receiving benefits. These rules are designed to help you return to work gradually without losing all your benefits at once.
For SSDI, you can earn up to a certain amount each month (called the substantial gainful activity limit) without losing benefits. In 2024, this limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind workers and $2,590 for blind workers, but these amounts change each year. If you earn more than this, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.
For SSI, the rules are stricter. You can earn some money without losing benefits, but the amount is lower. For every dollar you earn above $65 per month, your SSI payment is reduced by 50 cents. This means you lose benefits faster as you earn more.
Both programs also have trial work periods and other provisions that let you test whether you can work without when ready losing all your benefits. These are designed to encourage people to try working again.
Other Disability Programs You Might Receive
SSDI and SSI are not the only disability programs. You might also receive benefits from workers' compensation (if your disability came from a work injury), Veterans benefits (if you are a disabled veteran), state disability programs, or private disability insurance from an employer.
You can receive SSDI or SSI along with some of these other programs, but not all combinations are allowed. For example, if you receive workers' compensation, your SSDI payment may be reduced. If you receive a Veterans pension, it may affect your SSI payment. The rules are different for each combination.
If you are receiving or thinking about receiving benefits from more than one program, contact the Social Security Administration to understand how they will work together. The agency can explain how one benefit will affect the other.
How to Understand Your Specific Payment Amount
Your monthly payment amount depends on which program you are in and your personal circumstances. For SSDI, it depends on your lifetime earnings record. For SSI, it depends on your current income, assets, and state of residence.
You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see an estimate of your SSDI payment based on your work record. For SSI, the amount is set by federal law and your state, and you can contact your local Social Security office to learn what you might receive.
The Social Security Administration publishes the federal payment amounts each year. Your state may add extra money if you are on SSI. If you are already receiving benefits, your payment notice will show exactly how much you receive and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes, in some cases. This is called concurrent benefits. It happens when you may have access to for SSDI but your SSDI payment is very low. Social Security will pay your SSDI first, then add SSI on top to bring you up to the SSI federal payment amount. Not everyone qualifies for concurrent benefits.
What is the difference between disability and blindness benefits?
Both SSDI and SSI have separate programs for people who are blind. The work rules are different—blind workers can earn more money before losing SSDI benefits. You must meet Social Security's definition of blindness, which is stricter than legal blindness in most states.
Do I lose my benefits if I get married or have a child?
For SSDI, marriage and children do not affect your own benefits. However, your family members may be able to receive benefits on your record. For SSI, marriage and children change your income and asset limits, which may reduce or stop your payment. Report any changes to Social Security right away.
What happens to my benefits if I go back to work?
You do not automatically lose benefits if you earn money. Both programs have work incentives that let you earn some money without losing all your benefits. The amount you can earn depends on which program you are in and whether you are blind. Contact Social Security before you start working to understand how your benefits will change.
Are disability benefits the same as unemployment benefits?
No. Unemployment benefits are for people who are able to work but cannot find a job. Disability benefits are for people who cannot work because of a medical condition. You cannot receive both at the same time, and the programs have completely different rules and payment amounts.