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

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

When you’re unable to work due to an injury or medical condition, it can be a very stressful time. If this happens, it’s important to understand what assistance is available to you depending on your individual circumstances. You need to know all your options.

There are different programs which can help you during this time that you are unable to work. The two that are the most relevant to your situation are Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. In many cases, people will usually utilize one of these programs, but it may be possible to collect from both concurrently. This depends on a variety of factors, but the amount you can earn per month is capped.

The first thing you need to know is if you qualify for both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance separately. You will need to meet the requirements for each in order to try to collect them concurrently. Supplemental Security income provides money for those who are not able to afford basic needs. This includes shelter, food and clothing. Social Security Disability Insurance provides money for those who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition.

How to qualify for SSI:

• You can qualify for Supplemental Security Income if you are either 65 or older, blind or disabled.
• You also need to have a limited income, resources and be either a U.S. citizen/national or fit into certain categories of aliens.
• The income restrictions for 2017 are the following. For an individual you cannot earn more than $735 per month or $8,830,84 per year. For a couple this number is $1,103 per month and $13,244.80 per year. An essential person cannot earn more than $368 per month or $4,425.55 per year.
• Your assets also have a cap on them. You cannot own more than $2,000 worth or $3,000 in joint assets if you’re married.

How to qualify for SSDI:

• Your disability must be listed in the bluebook or be the equivalent of a condition in the bluebook. You will need to prove that your condition fits into the criteria.
• Your disability must prevent you from working. Your condition needs to be prevent you from being able to work and earn your own income.
• Your condition needs to be severe. Your condition needs to be expected to last at least a year or result in death.
• You need to have sufficient medical documentation to back up the specifics of your condition. This includes your official diagnosis, any hospital visitation dates, test results and treatments or medications that have been tried.

How to receive both:

• In order to qualify for SSI when already receiving SSDI, your unearned income needs to be under $735 per month.
• If you think that you’ll be able to get more money with both, this is most likely not the case.. This SSI payment will be lowered by your SSDI payment and can only be as high as this $735 per month. If you receive more than this amount with just SSDI, you won’t be able to collect SSI.
• If you are a SSDI recipient, you will be able to get on Medicare after the two-year waiting period. With SSI, you are only eligible for Medicaid. More doctors accept Medicare and it will be easier for you to find a provider.

While you can collect both SSDI and SSI, you will not be able to receive more than the cap of $735. There are other benefits to consider, such as the eligibility for Medicare. Contact us with any questions.