Understanding the Difference Between SSDI and SSI

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1. The Difference Between SSDI and SSI: Which One Is Right for You?

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

May 05, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

The Difference Between SSDI and SSI: Which One Is Right for You?

Understanding the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is essential for anyone considering a disability claim. Although both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide benefits to individuals with disabilities, they have different eligibility requirements, funding sources and benefits.

Choosing the correct program for your situation can have a significant impact on your financial stability and long-term support. Here is what you need to know to determine which one is right for you.

What Is SSDI?

SSDI is designed for individuals who have a qualifying work history and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. It is essentially an insurance program. If you become disabled and are unable to work, SSDI provides monthly benefits based on your prior earnings.

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
• You must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security, earning the required number of work credits.

Benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings and may also be available to certain family members, such as your spouse or children.

What Is SSI?

SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program. It is intended for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

To be eligible for SSI, you must:

• Have a qualifying disability, or be age 65 or older.
• Have limited income and assets (as defined by SSA rules).
• Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain non-citizen requirements.
• Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia or the Northern Mariana Islands.

SSI benefits are typically lower than SSDI payments and are standardized. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not depend on how long you have worked.

Key Differences

Here are a few important distinctions to consider:

• Work History: SSDI requires a work history with sufficient Social Security contributions, while SSI does not.
• Financial Need: SSI is based strictly on financial need. SSDI is not means-tested.
• Benefit Amount: SSDI benefits vary based on earnings history. SSI provides a fixed benefit amount, which may be supplemented by state programs.
• Health Insurance: SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. SSI recipients typically qualify for Medicaid immediately.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you have a solid work history and have paid into Social Security, you may be eligible for SSDI. If you have little or no work history and limited financial resources, SSI may be the more appropriate option.

Some individuals may qualify for both programs, which is referred to as a concurrent claim. In these cases, you could receive benefits from both SSDI and SSI if your income and assets fall within the SSI limits.

Getting help with Social Security Disability Benefits

Determining whether SSDI or SSI is right for you depends on your unique circumstances, including your work history, income level and medical condition. A qualified disability attorney can evaluate your situation and guide you toward the right application path. The process can be complicated, but you do not have to navigate it alone.

Contact the lawyers of Berger and Green for a free consultation.