1. What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Before understanding how you can receive both, it is important to know the differences:

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

• Based on your work history and payroll contributions to Social Security
• Requires sufficient work credits, usually 40 credits with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years for adults over age 31
• Pays benefits regardless of your current income or assets (except earned income affecting disability status)

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

• A needs-based program for disabled individuals with low income and limited assets
• Does not require work credits
• Asset limits are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple
• Pays a maximum federal benefit rate ($943 per month in 2024 for individuals) plus any applicable state supplements

2. When Can You Receive Both SSDI and SSI?

You can receive both SSDI and SSI if:

• Your SSDI payment is low enough that it does not exceed the SSI income limit
• You meet SSI’s income and asset requirements

For example, if your SSDI benefit is below $943 per month (2024 rate) and you have minimal additional income and assets, SSI may provide a supplemental payment to raise your total monthly income up to the SSI maximum.

3. How Does Concurrent SSDI and SSI Work?

Here is how concurrent benefits function:

• SSA calculates your SSDI benefit first based on your work record.
• They then determine how much SSI you are eligible for by subtracting your SSDI payment (and any other countable income) from the SSI federal benefit rate.
• If you are eligible, you will receive both payments, with SSI making up the difference to ensure your income reaches the SSI maximum.

4. Benefits of Receiving Both SSDI and SSI

Receiving concurrent benefits can be beneficial because:

• You gain access to Medicare through SSDI, which starts after 24 months of SSDI entitlement
• You automatically qualify for Medicaid through SSI in Michigan, ensuring comprehensive health coverage
• SSI supplements your SSDI income, providing greater financial stability

5. Example of Concurrent Benefits in Michigan

Suppose:

• Your monthly SSDI benefit is $600.
• The SSI federal benefit rate is $943.
• SSI will supplement your income with $343 to bring your total monthly income up to the SSI maximum, assuming no other countable income and that you meet asset limits.

6. SSI Asset Limits Still Apply

Even if you receive SSDI, to qualify for SSI you must:

• Have countable assets below $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for a couple)
• Countable assets include bank accounts, stocks, and second vehicles, but exclude your primary home and one primary vehicle

7. How to Apply for Concurrent Benefits in Michigan

When you apply for disability benefits through SSA:

• Your SSDI and SSI applications are evaluated simultaneously if you indicate financial need.
• Provide detailed information about your income, assets, and living arrangements to ensure SSI eligibility is properly reviewed.

8. Key Considerations for Receiving Both SSDI and SSI

• Your total monthly income from both programs cannot exceed the SSI maximum
• Any change in income, assets, or living arrangements must be reported to SSA to avoid overpayments
• SSDI payments do not reduce SSI dollar-for-dollar but are counted as unearned income, which affects your SSI calculation

9. What Happens If Your SSDI Increases?

If your SSDI benefit increases to an amount equal to or greater than the SSI limit, your SSI payments will stop, but you will continue receiving SSDI and maintain eligibility for Medicare.