What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

Answering your question.

SSI and SSDI are both programs that pay monthly benefits to people who are disabled and can’t work — but they’re very different in how they work, who qualifies, and how much they pay.

Think of it this way:

| SSDI = Insurance you earn by working and paying Social Security taxes.
| SSI = A needs-based program for people with low income and little or no work history.

1. Where the Money Comes From

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):
  • You pay into it through FICA taxes from your paycheck.
  • It’s like an insurance policy — you qualify by working enough years.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income):
  • Paid from general tax funds, not from your work history.
  • It’s like a welfare program — based on need, not work.
    

2. Who Can Get It?

• SSDI:
  • You must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
  • You need enough work credits (usually 5 of the last 10 years if you’re over 30).
  • You must be totally disabled (can’t work any full-time job for at least 12 months).
• SSI:
  • For people with little or no income and few resources (savings, property, etc.).
  • You don’t need a work history — you could have never worked and still qualify.
  • You must also be totally disabled by Social Security’s definition.
    

3. How Much Money Will I Get?

• SSDI:
  • Depends on how much you worked and paid into Social Security.
  • In 2025, average is about $1,537/month, but could be more or less depending on your past earnings.
    
• SSI:
  • Has a maximum amount set by the government.In 2025, it’s $943/month for individuals, and $1,415/month for couples.
  • This amount can be reduced if you have income, help from others, or live rent-free.
    

4. Health Insurance

• SSDI:
  • You get Medicare after 2 years of receiving disability checks.
    
• SSI:
  • You get Medicaid right away in most states.
    

5. When Do Payments Start?

• SSDI:
  • There’s a 5-month waiting period after your disability begins.
  • You can also get back pay up to 12 months before your application date, depending on your case.
    
• SSI:
  • Payments start from the month after you apply (no back pay before that).
    

Quick Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	SSDI	SSI
Based on Work History?	Yes	No
Income/Assets Limit?	No strict limit	Yes – low income/resources
Monthly Payment Amount	Based on past earnings	Set federal amount (~$943 max)
Health Insurance	Medicare (after 2 years)	Medicaid (right away)
Waiting Period	5 months from disability date	Payments start after application
Can You Get Both?	Sometimes, yes (if you qualify)	Sometimes, yes (if very low income)

Easy Way to Remember:

• SSDI = You Worked, You Paid In, You’re Covered.
• SSI = You Need Help, You Have Little Income.
  

In Summary:

• If you worked and paid into Social Security, you may qualify for SSDI.
• If you haven’t worked much or at all, and have low income and few resources, you may qualify for SSI.
• Some people qualify for both — and get a little from each.