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Can You Apply for SSDI and SSI at the Same Time?
If you are living with a serious disability and struggling to make ends meet, you may have heard about two federal programs that could help: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
One question that comes up often is whether a person can apply for both at the same time. The short answer is yes.
In fact, in many cases, doing so is actually recommended. But understanding how these two programs overlap and when you might qualify for both requires a close look at eligibility rules for both.
Understanding the Difference Between SSDI and SSI
Before diving into concurrent claims, it helps to understand what makes each program unique.
Both are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and both serve people with qualifying disabilities, but they have very different eligibility requirements.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is an insurance program funded through payroll taxes. To be eligible, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have accumulated sufficient work credits.
Generally, this means having worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least five of the past ten years, though younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. The monthly benefit amount is based on your earnings history — the more you earned before becoming disabled, the higher your potential payment.
You can learn more about the income-based qualifications and work history requirements for SSDI on our practice area page.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, your work history does not matter for SSI eligibility. What matters is your current financial situation.
In 2026, SSI recipients must have limited countable income and assets — generally, no more than $2,000 in resources for an individual ($3,000 for a couple). SSI is also available to children with disabilities and elderly individuals who have never worked.
Our Supplemental Security Income overview explains the financial thresholds and qualifying conditions in detail.
What Is a Concurrent SSDI and SSI Claim?
A concurrent claim simply means applying for both SSDI and SSI at the same time, using a single application process through the SSA.
Many applicants are surprised to learn this is not only allowed — it can be a good strategy for maximizing your total benefit amount.
Here is a scenario where concurrent filing makes sense:
Suppose you worked for many years but had a gap in employment due to illness. Your SSDI benefit might be approved but come in at a relatively low monthly amount — perhaps $500 to $700.
In that case, SSI may act as a top-up payment to bring your total income closer to the federal SSI benefit rate. The SSA will coordinate both payments so that you receive the maximum you are entitled to under the law.
Who Qualifies for Both Programs at the Same Time?
Not everyone who qualifies for SSDI will also qualify for SSI, and vice versa. But there is a significant overlap for certain claimants. You may be eligible for both if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You have a qualifying disability. Under SSA rules, your medical condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity and must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- You have some work history but limited earnings. You have enough work credits for SSDI, but your expected monthly SSDI payment falls below the SSI benefit threshold.
- Your financial resources are limited. Your countable assets and income are low enough to meet SSI’s means-tested requirements.
- You are a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen. Both programs have citizenship and residency requirements.
The SSA determines your eligibility for each program independently. If you file a concurrent claim and are found eligible for both, payments will be coordinated. Your SSI payment will generally be reduced by the amount of your SSDI benefit so that the two together do not exceed the federal SSI rate.
How to Apply for SSDI and SSI Simultaneously
Applying for both programs at the same time is simpler than many people expect. When you contact the SSA — either by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting a local office, or applying online — you can indicate that you want to be considered for both SSDI and SSI.
The SSA will typically screen you for both during the same application process. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
- Step 1 – Submit your application. Complete the SSA’s disability application and indicate you are applying for both SSDI and SSI benefits.
- Step 2 – Provide medical documentation. The SSA will gather your medical records and evidence supporting your disability claim.
- Step 3 – Financial review for SSI. In addition to the medical evaluation, the SSA will assess your household income, assets, and living arrangements to determine SSI eligibility.
- Step 4 – Initial determination. Many initial applications are decided within three to six months. Unfortunately, many claims are denied at this stage.
- Step 5 – Appeal if necessary. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Understanding the multi-step appeals and reconsideration process is critical.
It’s important that you don’t wait to apply. The SSA’s review process is lengthy, and delaying your application can delay your potential benefits. As our common questions page explains, filing as soon as possible — even before your one year of disability has passed — is often a good idea.
Why Filing for Both Benefits at Once Can Work in Your Favor
There are several practical advantages to submitting a concurrent claim rather than filing for one program and waiting to see what happens. Here’s what they are.
- Broader coverage from day one. If your SSDI claim is denied but your SSI claim is approved, you can still receive financial assistance while the SSDI appeal works its way through the system.
- No extra paperwork burden. The SSA processes both claims together, so you are not doubling your administrative effort.
- Potential for higher total benefits. If your SSDI amount is low, SSI can potentially supplement it. This means more monthly income for you and your family.
- Access to healthcare benefits sooner. SSI recipients typically qualify for Medicaid immediately, while SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare. Filing for both benefit programs may give you faster access to medical coverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Concurrent Claim
Even when you are entitled to both programs, errors in your application can result in delays or denials. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Underreporting or overreporting income and assets on the SSI portion of your claim.
- Failing to disclose changes in your living situation, which directly affects SSI eligibility.
- Not submitting complete medical documentation for your disabling condition.
- Missing appeal deadlines — if your claim is denied, you typically have 60 days to request reconsideration.
- Assuming a prior denial means you cannot reapply — in many cases, you can and should file again.
Because the stakes are high and the rules are complex, working with a knowledgeable disability attorney from the beginning of the process can be helpful.
Our team has helped thousands of claimants navigate the SSA system, and we are familiar with the specific disabling conditions the SSA evaluates most closely.
How a Disability Attorney Can Strengthen Your Concurrent Claim
The SSA denies many initial disability applications for SSDI, SSI, or both. A lawyer can help you reduce the odds of denial or respond if it happens. At Chermol & Fishman, LLC, we represent clients at every stage of the process — from the initial application through federal court appeals.
Here is what our team does for concurrent claimants:
- Evaluate whether you are likely to qualify for one or both programs based on your medical and financial situation.
- Help you gather and organize the medical evidence necessary to satisfy SSA’s disability standard.
- Ensure your SSI financial disclosures are accurate and complete to reduce the chances of unnecessary denials.
- Represent you at hearings before an administrative law judge if your case advances to that stage.
- Pursue federal court appeals when the administrative process has been exhausted.
We handle cases on a contingency basis. This means we charge no fee unless we win. Our fee is also capped by federal law.
You can review our attorney profiles to learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds and experience representing disability claimants across the country.
Serving Disability Claimants Across the Country
Chermol & Fishman, LLC represents clients with SSDI and SSI claims throughout the United States. Whether you are filing a new claim, navigating a denial, or preparing for a hearing, our experienced team is ready to help. We currently serve clients in Florida, Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — as well as many other states. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both SSDI and SSI checks every month?
You may be able to receive both SSDI and SSI benefits, but the amounts are coordinated.
If you qualify for both, your SSI payment will be reduced based on the amount of your SSDI benefit. The goal is to bring your total monthly income up to the SSI federal benefit rate — not to double it. In some states, a supplemental state payment may further increase the combined total.
Does having savings disqualify me from SSI even if I qualify for SSDI?
Having savings can disqualify you from SSI even if you qualify for SSDI.
- SSI has strict resource limits — generally $2,000 for an individual. Certain items are excluded, such as your primary home and one vehicle, but other savings and investments count toward this limit.
- SSDI has no resource test, so having savings does not affect your SSDI eligibility.
If you are close to the SSI resource limit, an attorney can help you understand what is and is not countable.
What happens to my SSI if my SSDI benefit increases?
If your SSDI benefit increases — such as after a cost-of-living adjustment — your SSI payment will generally decrease by a corresponding amount to keep your combined total within the SSI limit. In some cases, an increase in SSDI can push your income above the SSI threshold entirely, ending your SSI eligibility.
Can children receive both SSDI and SSI benefits?
A child can qualify for SSI based on their own disability and the household’s financial situation. Children may also receive dependent benefits on a parent’s record.
These benefits are technically different from an adult’s concurrent claim, but the concept of receiving multiple forms of assistance is similar. Rules for children’s disability claims are complex, and working with an attorney is typically a good idea.
What is the fastest way to find out if I qualify for both programs?
If you want to find out if you can qualify for both SSI and SSDI, you should contact the SSA directly or consult with a qualified disability attorney. An attorney can review your work history, income, assets, and medical records to give you an accurate picture of which programs you are likely to qualify for. Your attorney can also help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
If I was denied for one program, does that mean I am denied for both?
The SSA evaluates SSDI and SSI under separate eligibility criteria. It is possible to be denied for SSDI — because of insufficient work credits, for example — but still be approved for SSI if your income and assets are low enough.
Likewise, you might be approved for SSDI but denied SSI because your monthly SSDI benefit exceeds the SSI income threshold. Each program stands on its own, and a denial for one does not automatically mean a denial for both.