SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled, while SSI is need-based for people with low income who are disabled, blind, or elderly.
SSDI
- For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
- Benefit based on your earnings record.
- Medicare after 24 months.
SSI
- Needs based, for low income and few assets.
- Federal benefit is up to $967 a month for an individual in 2025.
- No work history needed.
- Medicaid in most states.
Both
Need a qualifying disability.
Apply
At ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
Program differences
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes (earned credits) and become disabled. The benefit amount depends on lifetime earnings, with an average around 1,580 USD per month in 2025. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history, and pays up to 967 USD per month for an individual in 2025 at the federal level.
- SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid immediately in most states.
- SSI has resource limits of 2,000 USD for individuals and 3,000 USD for couples.
- Some people receive both (concurrent benefits).
Applying
Both use the same disability definition: a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or at a local office. Gather medical records, work history and contact information. Many initial applications are denied, and appeals can succeed. Free legal help may be available.
Program differences
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs based program for people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind or disabled. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is paid to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and became disabled. In 2025 the SSI federal rate is 967 USD per month for an individual.
Applying
Apply at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Medicare comes after 24 months of SSDI, Medicaid typically through SSI.
Core differences
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs based program funded by general tax revenue, with strict income and resource limits, for disabled, blind or aged people with little income. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program funded by payroll taxes, based on work history and credits earned.
Benefits and coverage
SSI pays a federal monthly maximum of about 967 USD for an individual in 2025, which varies slightly by state supplements. SSDI payments depend on past earnings, averaging about 1,580 USD monthly. SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid, and SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare after 24 months of benefits. Some people receive both, called concurrent benefits. Apply through ssa.gov or at 1-800-772-1213. Both use the same disability definition: unable to do substantial gainful activity because of a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Based on data from the Social Security Administration
