When you’re facing a disability or living on a low income, Social Security can be a lifeline, but figuring out which program you qualify for isn’t always easy. You may hear about SSI and SSDI and wonder: Aren’t they the same thing?
While both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration and provide financial help to people with disabilities, they’re built for different situations. Knowing the differences can help you avoid delays, submit the right application, and understand what kind of support you might be eligible for. Let’s break it down—plain and simple.
What Is SSI?
SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a needs-based program. That means it’s designed for people who have limited income and few assets, regardless of their work history. SSI is most often used by:
- Adults and children with disabilities
- People who are blind
- Adults age 65 or older who meet income and asset limits
You don’t need to have worked or paid into Social Security to qualify for SSI. Instead, your eligibility is based on financial need. It’s funded by general taxes, not Social Security payroll taxes. To qualify, you must meet strict income and resource limits. As of 2025, individuals must have:
- Less than $2,000 in countable assets (like cash, savings, or investments). Certain things—like your home, one car, or household goods—don’t count toward this limit.
- A very low income (the amount varies depending on living situation and type of income)
If you’re approved, SSI provides monthly cash payments meant to help with basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is an earned benefit program. It provides support to people who can no longer work due to a serious disability but who have previously worked and paid Social Security taxes. In other words, SSDI is like an insurance policy you’ve paid into through your job. The more you’ve worked, the more likely you are to qualify.
To be eligible for SSDI, you must:
- Have a qualifying disability
- Be unable to work full-time because of that condition
- Have worked and paid into Social Security long enough (usually 5 out of the last 10 years, though younger workers may qualify with less)
SSDI isn’t based on current income or assets. Even if you have some savings or your spouse works, you could still be eligible based on your own work record.
How Are the Medical Rules the Same?
While SSI and SSDI have different financial rules, they both use the same definition of disability. In both cases, you must prove that:
- You have a medically documented physical or mental condition
- The condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death
- You’re unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (in simple terms: regular, paid work)
Both programs use a detailed evaluation process to decide if your condition meets the Social Security standard for disability. This may involve reviewing medical records, treatment history, and your ability to do everyday tasks or hold a job.
How Do the Payments Compare?
One key difference between SSI and SSDI is how much money you receive each month.
For SSI:
The maximum federal benefit in 2025 is $967/month for an individual, though this amount can vary slightly depending on your state. Some states add a state supplement to the federal benefit. Your benefit may also be reduced if you have countable income or if someone else helps cover your expenses.
For SSDI:
Payments are based on your work history and earnings, not financial need. Benefit amounts are determined by your work history and income before you became disabled. There’s no reduction just for having assets or a working spouse. If you qualify for SSDI, your payments are usually higher than SSI because they reflect your work contributions to the Social Security system. \
How Long Does It Take to Get Benefits?
Both programs often require a waiting period, but it looks a little different depending on which one you’re applying for.
- SSI: No formal waiting period, but it may take 3 to 6 months or longer to process your application. Once approved, you may get back pay for the months you were eligible while your application was being reviewed.
- SSDI: There’s a built-in 5-month waiting period after your disability starts (not after you apply). Payments typically begin the sixth full month after your disability began. Like SSI, SSDI can also pay back benefits based on your eligibility date.
The timeline for both can vary depending on how quickly your paperwork is processed and whether appeals are needed.
What About Health Insurance?
One of the biggest benefits of both SSI and SSDI is that they come with access to health coverage, but through different programs and with different timelines.
If you’re approved for SSI, you’re typically automatically eligible for Medicaid. In many states, you’ll be enrolled as soon as your SSI starts. If you’re approved for SSDI, you’ll be eligible for Medicare, but only after a 24-month waiting period from the time your SSDI benefits begin.
In some cases, this waiting period may be waived (for example, if you have ALS or end-stage renal disease). Because of this delay, many SSDI recipients rely on other forms of insurance (like Medicaid or a spouse’s plan) until Medicare kicks in.
Can You Qualify for Both at the Same Time?
Yes—this is known as “concurrent benefits.” If your work history qualifies you for SSDI but your payments are low, you may also be able to get SSI to bring your income up to the federal minimum. This situation usually applies to:
- People who worked jobs with low wages
- People who haven’t worked full-time consistently
- Younger applicants or those with a limited earnings history
If you qualify for both, you’ll receive SSDI first, and then SSI may add a small supplemental payment. You’ll also likely receive both Medicaid and Medicare, either together or one after the other.
How Do You Apply?
The application process is almost the same for both programs. In fact, if you’re not sure which one applies to you, the Social Security Administration will automatically consider you for both when you apply.
You can apply:
- Online at ssa.gov
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213
- In person at your local Social Security office (appointments recommended)
You’ll need:
- Medical records or contact information for doctors
- A list of your medications
- Employment history (for SSDI)
- Information about income and resources (for SSI)
It’s important to be thorough and honest—missing information is one of the most common reasons for delays or denials.
Two Paths, One Purpose
SSI and SSDI might sound similar, but they serve different groups of people with different needs. One is based on income; the other is based on work history. One kicks in quickly with Medicaid, the other comes with a wait, and eventually, Medicare.
But both programs are there for the same reason: to offer financial relief and health coverage when you’re unable to work because of a serious condition. Whether you’ve never worked or spent decades in the workforce, there may be support available to help you maintain stability and dignity.
If you’re unsure where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Start your application, ask questions, and see where you stand—you might be eligible for more than you think.
