Eligible for SSDI and SSI

You can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits both at the same time.

Christian in Temecula, California asks “Is it possible to qualify for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?”
Yes, you can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits both at the same time. When you file for disability benefits the same application is used for SSDI and SSI. The Social Security Administration will determine if your disability benefits will be drawn from SSDI or SSI.

If you have earned enough work credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, then your disability application will be for SSDI.

If you do not have enough work credits then your disability application will be for SSI. However, there is a third category called a concurrent claim. If you have enough work credits for SSDI but are expected to receive a small disability benefit (less than the full SSI monthly benefit), then a concurrent claim for both SSDI and SSI might be filed.

The reason for a concurrent claim is because a person who qualifies for social security disability should be able to receive a benefit amount that is at least the amount received by SSI disability beneficiaries. In order to qualify for SSDI and/or SSI, your disability must be approved by a disability examiner or administrative law judge.

If you have recently been denied SSDI or SSI benefits, don’t give up. Contact an experienced disability attorney who can help you win your case and get the disability benefits that you need.