Many people confuse Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or assume they’re the same program. While both are federal programs that provide financial assistance to people with disabilities, they have significant differences in funding sources, eligibility requirements, and benefits.

This guide breaks down what you need to know about both programs to help you determine which one you might qualify for in 2025.

The Fundamental Differences Between SSI and SSDI

Before diving into details, here’s a quick overview of the main differences:

Feature	SSI (Supplemental Security Income)	SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
Funding Source	General tax revenues	Social Security payroll taxes
Eligibility Basis	Financial need	Work history and disability
Income Requirements	Strict income and resource limits	No income limits (though working may affect eligibility)
Medical Requirements	Must meet disability criteria	Must meet disability criteria
Age Requirements	Any age (including children)	Adults under full retirement age
Benefit Amount (2025)	Up to $943/month for individuals	Based on lifetime earnings (average $1,537/month)
Medicare/Medicaid	Immediate Medicaid eligibility	Medicare after 24 months of benefits

What is SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?

SSI is a needs-based program designed to help people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSI provides cash assistance to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. It’s often referred to as a “safety net” program for those who have little or no income and few resources.

Unlike SSDI, your work history doesn’t matter for SSI eligibility. What matters is your current financial situation and whether you meet the disability or age criteria.

For those struggling with basic needs beyond what SSI can provide, our article on SNAP and how it works offers information on additional assistance for food purchases.

What is SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)?

SSDI is an insurance program that provides benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. Think of it as an early retirement benefit for those who become disabled before reaching full retirement age.

As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services explains, SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, specifically the portion that goes to the Social Security Disability Trust Fund. Your eligibility depends primarily on your work history and whether you’ve earned enough “work credits” before becoming disabled.

If you’re concerned about housing while receiving SSDI, our guide on affordable housing options might be helpful.

Eligibility Requirements for SSI

To qualify for SSI in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Disability, Blindness, or Age Requirement

You must either:

• Have a qualifying disability
• Be legally blind, or
• Be 65 or older

The SSA’s definition of disability is strict: your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.

2. Limited Income

Your countable income must fall below strict limits. Countable income includes:

• Wages
• Social Security benefits
• Pensions
• Interest from savings
• In-kind support (like free housing or food)

In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Your actual payment will be reduced by your countable income.

3. Limited Resources

Your resources (things you own) must be worth no more than:

• $2,000 for individuals
• $3,000 for couples

Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and property. However, certain assets don’t count, including:

• The home you live in
• One vehicle (usually)
• Household goods and personal effects
• Burial plots and funds (up to certain limits)
• Life insurance policies with face values of $1,500 or less

4. Citizenship and Residency Requirements

You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
• Reside in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or Northern Mariana Islands
• Not be absent from the country for 30 or more consecutive days
• Not be confined to a government institution (like a prison or hospital)

If you need assistance understanding citizenship requirements for various benefits, our article on enrolling for Medicaid covers similar eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for SSDI

The eligibility criteria for SSDI in 2025 focus on your work history and disability status:

1. Work Credits Requirement

You must have earned enough “work credits” by working and paying Social Security taxes. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled.

Generally:

• If you’re 31 or older, you need at least 20 credits earned in the 10 years before becoming disabled
• If you’re between 24 and 31, you need credits for half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled
• If you’re under 24, you typically need 6 credits earned in the 3 years before your disability

The National Council on Aging offers resources to help seniors understand how work credits accrue over a lifetime of employment.

2. Recent Work Requirement

You must have worked recently enough before becoming disabled. This “recency of work” test ensures you were an active participant in the workforce.

3. Disability Requirement

Your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability:

• You cannot do the work you did before
• You cannot adjust to other work because of your condition
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death

4. Income Considerations

While SSDI doesn’t have strict income limits like SSI, substantial employment earnings (known as Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA) can disqualify you. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals.

If you’re struggling with employment due to a disability, our article on HUD housing programs for the disabled might provide helpful information about housing options.

How to Apply for SSI

You can apply for SSI in three ways:

1. Online Application (Limited Availability)

You may be able to apply online if you:

• Are between 18 and 65 years old
• Have never been married
• Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the 50 states or District of Columbia
• Haven’t previously applied for or received SSI benefits
• Are applying for SSDI at the same time

2. Phone Application

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment to apply either:

• Over the phone, or
• In-person at your local Social Security office

3. In-Person Application

Visit your local Social Security office. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times.

Before applying, gather these documents:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate or proof of age
• Information about your residence
• Payroll slips, bank statements, insurance policies, and other financial information
• Medical information, including contact information for healthcare providers
• Work history information

According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report, having complete documentation ready can significantly reduce application processing time.

How to Apply for SSDI

The application process for SSDI is similar to SSI but with some key differences:

1. Online Application

Most people can apply for SSDI online by:

• Creating a my Social Security account
• Downloading and reviewing the Disability Starter Kit
• Completing the online application

2. Phone Application

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an application appointment.

3. In-Person Application

Visit your local Social Security office with an appointment.

Documents needed for SSDI application include:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Medical records and information about healthcare providers
• Lab and test results
• Work history, including job details and dates
• Most recent W-2 form or tax return
• Military service discharge information (if applicable)

The SSDI application process typically takes 3-5 months for an initial decision.

If you’re facing financial challenges while waiting for disability benefits, our article on tips to manage your bills during difficult times provides helpful strategies.

Can You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?

Yes, some people qualify for both programs. This situation, called “concurrent benefits,” occurs when someone:

• Qualifies for SSDI based on their work history, but
• The SSDI benefit they receive is below the SSI federal benefit rate, and
• They meet the SSI income and resource limits

In these cases, SSI can supplement the SSDI benefit up to the maximum SSI payment level.

Key Differences in Benefits

Beyond eligibility requirements, SSI and SSDI differ in the benefits they provide:

Benefit Amounts

• SSI: Fixed maximum federal benefit ($943/month for individuals in 2025), reduced by countable income. Some states provide supplemental payments.
• SSDI: Based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The average SSDI payment in 2025 is approximately $1,537 per month, but individual amounts vary considerably.

Healthcare Coverage

• SSI: Recipients typically qualify for Medicaid immediately.
• SSDI: Recipients become eligible for Medicare after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months.

Dependents’ Benefits

• SSI: No dependent benefits available.
• SSDI: Qualified dependents (children under 18, disabled adult children, and sometimes spouses) may receive additional benefits.

Retroactive Benefits

• SSI: Benefits can only be paid from the application date.
• SSDI: Can provide retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before application date, after the five-month waiting period.

Challenges and Considerations

Application Denials

Both SSI and SSDI have high initial denial rates—approximately 65-70% of applications are denied on the first attempt. Don’t be discouraged; many people are approved through the appeals process.

Waiting Periods

• SSI: No mandatory waiting period; benefits can start the month after application.
• SSDI: Has a 5-month waiting period from disability onset before benefits begin.

Reviews and Continuing Eligibility

Both programs conduct periodic reviews to ensure continued eligibility. If your condition improves or you return to work, your benefits may be affected.

For assistance with the financial planning aspects of disability, our article on what to do if you didn’t file a tax return might be relevant if you’re catching up on paperwork.

Frenquently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental difference between SSI and SSDI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for individuals with very low income and assets, while Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program requiring a sufficient work history. SSI benefits come from general tax revenues, and SSDI benefits come from Social Security payroll taxes.

Who qualifies for SSI benefits?

SSI assists people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. No work history is required, but you must meet strict income and asset limits. If your monthly income or resources exceed certain thresholds, you aren’t eligible.

Who qualifies for SSDI benefits?

SSDI is based on your employment history. You must have earned enough “work credits” and have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Substantial gainful activity (SGA) above certain monthly amounts can disqualify you.

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

Yes. This is called receiving “concurrent benefits.” It occurs if your SSDI benefit is below the federal SSI rate, and you still meet SSI’s income and resource criteria. SSI can supplement the lower SSDI amount.

How much can you receive from SSI or SSDI in 2025?

The maximum federal SSI payment for an individual is about $943/month in 2025, though states can add extra. SSDI varies according to your lifetime earnings, with an average of around $1,537/month, but some receive more or less depending on their specific contribution history.

How do healthcare benefits differ between SSI and SSDI?

SSI generally qualifies you for Medicaid immediately, which can be critical for covering healthcare costs if you have very low income. SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of disability benefits.

How do you apply for SSI or SSDI?

Both programs use a similar process: you can apply online at SSA.gov (if eligible), by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. You’ll need personal, financial, and medical documents. For tips on coping with bills while waiting, see tips on how to manage bills during tough times .

What if I’m denied benefits initially?

Many initial claims are denied. You can appeal and potentially win benefits at reconsideration or a hearing. If you’re denied, don’t get discouraged—legal aid and nonprofit resources can guide you through the appeals process.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between SSI and SSDI is crucial for accessing the benefits you’re entitled to. While both programs provide assistance to people with disabilities, they serve different populations and have distinct eligibility requirements.

If you think you might qualify for either program, don’t hesitate to apply. The application process can be lengthy, so it’s best to start as soon as possible. And remember, if you’re denied initially, you have the right to appeal.

For those living with disabilities, these programs can provide essential financial support and access to healthcare, making a significant difference in quality of life.