How to Receive Both SSDI and SSI Benefits in 2025: Navigating the world of Social Security benefits can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding how to receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) simultaneously. In 2025, significant changes have been introduced to streamline the application process and enhance accessibility. This guide provides a detailed overview, practical advice, and clear examples to help you understand and navigate these benefits.
How to Receive Both SSDI and SSI Benefits in 2025?
In 2025, navigating the application process for both SSDI and SSI benefits has become more accessible with the introduction of simplified online forms and a more supportive application experience. Receiving both SSDI and SSI benefits, known as concurrent benefits, can provide crucial financial assistance to individuals with disabilities or limited income.
If you or someone you know is considering applying for these benefits, be sure to follow the correct application process and understand the eligibility requirements. With the right approach, you can ensure that you are maximizing your benefits and receiving the financial support needed during challenging times.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Types | SSDI: Based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI: Needs-based, for individuals with limited income/resources who are aged 65+ or have a qualifying disability. |
| Concurrent Benefits | Eligible individuals can receive both SSDI and SSI simultaneously, known as “concurrent” benefits. |
| Application Methods | – Online: Apply through the SSA’s website. – Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. – In-Person: Visit your local SSA office. |
| Recent Updates | – SSI Online Application: Simplified process with reduced questions, available to certain adults since December 2024; full rollout expected by late 2025.- Work Incentives: Both programs offer incentives to encourage work without immediate loss of benefits. |
| Financial Considerations | – SSDI: Benefits based on average lifetime earnings; eligibility requires sufficient work credits. – SSI: Provides a standard monthly payment, with amounts varying based on income and living arrangements. |
| Additional Resources | – SSA Official Website: www.ssa.gov – SSI Application Information: Apply for SSI – |
Understanding SSDI and SSI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. Eligibility is primarily based on work history and the payment of Social Security taxes. In 2025, if you are working and your earnings average more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if you’re blind), you generally cannot be considered to have a disability.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to meet the work credits requirement. In 2025, you can earn up to four credits per year, and generally, 20 credits (equivalent to five years of work) are required. Recent work history is important when determining eligibility for SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI offers financial assistance to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. It is designed to help individuals with disabilities or elderly persons who have very low income and little to no assets.
In 2025, the federal benefit rate for SSI is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. However, the actual amount you will receive may be lower depending on other income, living arrangements, and state-specific variations. The eligibility requirements include strict income and asset limits. Individuals applying for SSI must have limited income and resources, which are defined by the SSA.
Applying for Both SSDI and SSI Benefits in 2025
Online Application
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has enhanced its online application process to make it more user-friendly. Since December 2024, a simplified online application for SSI has been available to certain adults, reducing the number of questions from 54 to as few as 12, depending on responses. By late 2025, this streamlined process is expected to be available to all applicants. The online application for SSDI allows you to apply for both SSDI and SSI benefits simultaneously.
How to apply online:
- Visit the SSA’s official website.
- Complete the SSDI application, and during this process, you will be asked whether you want to apply for SSI benefits as well.
- Answer the eligibility questions, submit supporting documents, and follow up with any required interviews or appointments.
Phone or In-Person Application
If you prefer a more personalized approach or are unable to apply online, you can apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can schedule an appointment with a representative who will guide you through the process of applying for both SSDI and SSI. Additionally, if you prefer, you can visit your local SSA office, but it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment beforehand to avoid long waiting times.
Eligibility Criteria
SSDI Eligibility
- Work Credits: You must have earned enough work credits through your employment history. In 2025, you can earn up to four credits per year. Generally, 20 credits (five years of work) are required to qualify for SSDI. The SSA uses a specific formula to calculate whether you have earned sufficient credits for disability benefits.
- Disability Definition: To qualify for SSDI, you must be unable to work due to a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA defines a disability as a severe condition that limits your ability to perform basic work tasks.
SSI Eligibility
- Age or Disability: Applicants must be 65 years of age or older, blind, or have a disability.
- Income and Resources: There are strict limits on income and resources. In 2025, the income limit for an individual applying for SSI is $1,000 per month, and resources must not exceed $2,000. For couples, the limits are $1,500 in income and $3,000 in resources.
SSI is a needs-based program, so eligibility depends heavily on your financial situation. If you receive other income, such as from a spouse or family member, it may affect the amount of SSI you can receive.
$5700 Increase In Social Security, SSI & SSDI Benefits Coming Soon – Check Important Details
Social Security March 2025 Payments – How to claim March Payment? Check Eligibility
Social Security COLA Changes for March 2025 – What’s Your New Benefit Amount?
Receiving Concurrent Benefits
If you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, you can receive concurrent benefits. SSDI benefits are typically based on your previous work and earnings, while SSI helps with additional financial support for basic living costs. Your SSDI benefit amount may reduce the SSI payment you receive, but you will still be eligible for some SSI support if your SSDI amount is low.
For example, if your SSDI payment is $500 per month and you qualify for SSI, your SSI payment might be adjusted to bring your total monthly income closer to the federal standard for SSI recipients. The total benefit amount depends on your unique financial and medical situation.
Work Incentives and Returning to Work
Both SSDI and SSI offer work incentives to encourage individuals to try returning to work without immediately losing their benefits.
SSDI Work Incentives
SSDI recipients can take advantage of the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to work and earn a certain amount without losing your SSDI benefits. For 2025, you can work for up to nine months and earn a monthly income of at least $1,050 (or $1,750 if you’re blind) without affecting your benefits. After the Trial Work Period, if you continue to work and earn substantial income, you may lose eligibility for SSDI.
SSI Work Incentives
For SSI recipients, the SSA offers the Earned Income Exclusion. The first $65 of monthly earnings is excluded, and then half of the remaining earnings are also excluded from the SSI calculation. This means that SSI recipients can earn a limited amount without it immediately affecting their SSI payments. These work incentives allow individuals with disabilities to test their ability to work without the fear of losing essential financial support.
