FAQ: Can I get Social Security Disability Benefits
and Supplemental Security Income at the Same Time?
When filing for Social Security disability, a person can apply for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has different requirements, monetary benefits, and accompanying insurance benefits. Many clients ask if they can receive both SSDI and SSI. In some circumstances, a Claimant can receive both SSDI and SSI, or concurrent benefits.
In order to receive concurrent benefits, a Claimant must receive a low monthly benefit from SSDI. SSDI’s benefits are based on a person’s work history, i.e. how long they have worked and how much they were making when working. Because SSI is an income-based program, a person must meet the income requirements in order to be eligible. This includes income from all countable sources, including earned income and unearned income. SSDI benefits are considered to be unearned income.
If a person’s SSDI payments are over a certain amount, they no longer are eligible for SSI because his or her unearned income is over the threshold amount. However, if a person’s SSDI benefits are relatively low in amount, then he or she can receive both SSDI and SSI. Because of the SSI resource limit, many SSDI recipients are ineligible to also receive SSI.
For more information on concurrent benefits, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.