Can You Get Both SSDI and SSI at the Same Time?
TL;DR: Yes, you can receive both SSDI and SSI concurrently. This happens when your SSDI payment is low enough that you still meet SSI's income limits. SSI "tops up" your total income to the SSI federal rate ($967/month in 2026). The big advantage: you get immediate Medicaid coverage instead of waiting 24 months for Medicare. Concurrent benefits require meeting both SSDI's work credit test and SSI's financial limits.
Concurrent SSDI and SSI benefits are more common than people realize, especially for workers who had lower earnings or shorter work histories. If your SSDI payment is below the SSI rate, you may be leaving money and healthcare coverage on the table by not applying for both.
How Concurrent Benefits Work
When you qualify for both programs, your total monthly payment equals the SSI federal benefit rate (plus any state supplement). The SSI portion fills the gap between your SSDI amount and the SSI rate.
Example
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| SSDI payment | $600/month |
| SSI federal rate | $967/month |
| SSI portion (tops up) | $347/month |
| Total monthly payment | $947/month (after $20 unearned income disregard) |
The SSA applies a $20 general income disregard to your SSDI income before counting it against SSI. So your countable income for SSI purposes is your SSDI payment minus $20.
Who Qualifies for Concurrent Benefits
You need to meet both sets of requirements:
- SSDI requirements: Enough work credits and medically disabled
- SSI requirements: Countable income below SSI rate, assets under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)
Common situations where concurrent benefits apply:
- You worked at low wages and your SSDI payment is $600-$800/month
- You had a short work history and your benefit is calculated on limited earnings
- You became disabled young and your average lifetime earnings are low
The Healthcare Advantage
This is the biggest reason to pursue concurrent benefits. SSDI alone requires a 24-month waiting period for Medicare. SSI gives you Medicaid immediately in most states.
With concurrent benefits, you get Medicaid right away through SSI while your Medicare waiting period runs. After 24 months, you'll have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), which means virtually all healthcare costs are covered.
How to Apply for Both
When you apply for SSDI, the SSA often uses "deemed filing" to automatically consider you for SSI. But don't assume this happens. Explicitly request that both programs be evaluated. If you apply online for SSDI, follow up with a call or office visit to ensure SSI is also being considered.
ClaimPath identifies whether you're likely eligible for concurrent benefits during the intake process and generates documents for both programs. $79, no percentage of benefits.
Start your application with ClaimPath
Related Articles
- SSDI vs SSI: What's the Difference?
- How Much Does SSDI Pay?
- SSI Payment Amounts 2026
- SSI and Medicaid
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Both SSDI and SSI at the Same Time??
TL;DR: Yes, you can receive both SSDI and SSI concurrently. This happens when your SSDI payment is low enough that you still meet SSI's income limits. SSI "tops up" your total income to the SSI federal rate ($967/month in 2026).
How Concurrent Benefits Work?
When you qualify for both programs, your total monthly payment equals the SSI federal benefit rate (plus any state supplement). The SSI portion fills the gap between your SSDI amount and the SSI rate.
Who Qualifies for Concurrent Benefits?
You need to meet both sets of requirements:
What are the benefits of the healthcare advantage?
This is the biggest reason to pursue concurrent benefits. SSDI alone requires a 24-month waiting period for Medicare. SSI gives you Medicaid immediately in most states.
How to Apply for Both?
When you apply for SSDI, the SSA often uses "deemed filing" to automatically consider you for SSI. But don't assume this happens. Explicitly request that both programs be evaluated.