Can You Get SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?
In some circumstances, you can receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at the same time. This is commonly referred to as “concurrent benefits”. To receive concurrent benefits, you must be approved for SSDI, but receive low monthly payments through the program.
A low monthly SSDI benefit is caused by several factors:
- You have worked very little or not at all in the last 10 years
- You had very little work history at the time you became disabled
- You became disabled at a young age, before building a significant work history
- You earned relatively low wages throughout the course of your employment history
All of these factors can influence the amount of SSDI benefits because payments are based on meeting minimum health eligibility requirements and having sufficient “work credits” built up over the course of your employment history. To learn more about work credits, click here.
SSI is an income-based or financial need-based program. All income from “countable sources” is reviewed to determine whether you meet the requirements for the SSI program.
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Countable income is made up of earned income as well as several types of “unearned income”. SSDI payments are considered to be “unearned income”. In other words, any money you earn cannot exceed established minimums under the SSI program.
In 2020, a person must have less than $803 a month in unearned income to receive SSI benefits. A couple can get SSI if they have unearned income of less than $1,195 a month in 2020.
Eligibility for the SSI program is fairly complex. Income – both earned and unearned – is considered when determining financial-need, but so are other financial resources or assets.
Just as there is a monthly limit on income for SSI eligibility, there is also a total available asset limit. Asset limits are set at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for married couples.
Qualifying For Both SSI and SSDI
If your income and assets are too high to qualify for SSI benefits, you may still meet the criteria for SSDI. Likewise, even if you don’t have the work history/credits to receive SSDI benefits, you may still qualify for SSI. However, if you meet the financial and medical requirements, there are instances in which you can qualify to receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time.
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As you move forward, it is important to remember that even though you may qualify for these benefits, it does not mean you will automatically be awarded SSDI payments when you first submit your application for Social Security disability.
Enlisting the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney will assist you in navigating the system and pursuing a disability appeal, if needed in order to obtain the SSDI benefits to which you are entitled.
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The Anastopoulo Law Firm will ensure that all documentation is completed thoroughly and that your case is presented to the SSA in the strongest manner possible. To determine if you are eligible to receive SSI/SSDI benefits, visit the Anastopoulo Law Firm or call us today at (800) 777-7777 to discuss your legal needs with our Social Security lawyers in South Carolina.
Image courtesy of Social Security Administration
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