If you’re trying to figure out what disability benefits you might qualify for, you’ve probably seen two different programs:
✅ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI)
✅ Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
They sound similar — but they are very different programs with different rules for eligibility, payment amounts, and benefits.
In this post, we’ll explain what SSI is, how it’s different from SSD, and who can qualify for each.
What Is SSI?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income.
It’s a needs-based program for people who:
- Have very low income and limited resources, and
- Are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
✅ Unlike SSD, you don’t need a work history to qualify for SSI.
Instead, SSI is meant to help people who have limited financial means, whether or not they’ve worked in the past.
What Is SSD (SSDI)?
SSD stands for Social Security Disability Insurance.
SSD is an insurance program for people who have:
- Worked long enough and paid into the Social Security system (through taxes)
- Become disabled and can no longer work
✅ To qualify for SSD, you must have earned enough work credits — typically by working about 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
Think of SSD as insurance you paid for through your job, and now you’re claiming the benefits because you can’t work due to a disability.
Key Differences Between SSI and SSD
| Feature | SSI | SSD (SSDI) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Based on financial need | Based on work history and paying into Social Security |
| Work Requirement | No work history needed | Must have earned enough work credits |
| Age | Available at any age (disability or 65+) | Must be under retirement age (before full retirement age) |
| Income/Assets Limit | Strict limits on income and resources | No income limit (but working above SGA disqualifies); assets don’t matter |
| Monthly Payment Amount | Set federal amount (with possible state supplement) | Based on your past earnings record |
| Health Insurance | Medicaid | Medicare (after 24 months of SSD payments) |
How Much Money Will I Get?
✅ SSI (2025 amounts):
- The maximum federal SSI payment is about $943 per month for individuals (plus possible small state supplements).
- It’s meant to help cover basic needs like food, housing, and clothing.
✅ SSD (2025 average):
- Payments depend on your work history, but the average SSD benefit is around $1,600 per month.
- Some people receive more if they had higher-paying jobs.
Can You Get Both SSD and SSI?
✅ Yes, it’s possible!
Some people qualify for both if:
- Their SSD payment is very low (due to limited work history), and
- They meet the strict SSI income and asset limits.
This is called “concurrent benefits.”
Which Program Should You Apply For?
It depends on your situation:
- If you have a strong work history but now can’t work due to disability → apply for SSD.
- If you have little or no work history and very limited income/resources → apply for SSI.
- If you’re not sure — or your situation is complicated — you can apply for both, and Social Security will figure out what you qualify for.
Final Thoughts
✅ SSD is based on your work history and earnings.
✅ SSI is based on financial need, regardless of your work history.
Both programs are designed to help people who are unable to work because of serious medical conditions — but they have very different rules about who qualifies and how much you can receive.
If you’re unsure which program you might qualify for — or if you need help applying — it’s a good idea to talk with a disability expert or attorney. They can help you choose the right path and build the strongest possible claim.