SSDI vs. SSI
SSDI depends on your work record. SSI depends on limited income and resources. SSA runs both programs, and for adults the medical standard is generally the same in both.
Not sure which one fits?
Call if all three are true:
- You worked in recent years.
- You stopped because of a health or medical condition.
- You're not working, not on leave and not job hunting.
No recent work of your own, or applying for SSI only? SSA can help you directly at ssa.gov.
Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm Eastern.
A call does not decide which program you qualify for. SSA makes benefit decisions.
For new or denied claims. Already receiving SSDI or SSI? Use SSA's benefit services instead.
How the two programs compare
| Topic | SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Work in jobs covered by Social Security | Limited income and resources |
| Work history | You must have worked long enough, and recently enough | Not based on your prior work or a family member's work |
| Work credits | The number depends on your age when the disability began | Not required |
| Who can get it | Workers whose condition meets SSA's definition of disability | People who are blind, 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability |
| Taxes | You must be insured: you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes | Paid from general U.S. Treasury funds, not Social Security taxes |
Read SSA's SSDI work rules. For SSDI, younger workers may need fewer work credits.
Can you get both?
SSA says many people who are eligible for SSI may also be eligible for Social Security benefits. A separate application may be filed for each program so SSA can decide eligibility for each one.
SSI has other rules
Children with disabilities or who are blind may also get SSI. To get SSI, you must also be a U.S. citizen or national, or a noncitizen in certain categories. You must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia or the Northern Mariana Islands, and not be outside the U.S. for a full calendar month or 30 or more days in a row. In most states, SSI recipients can also get Medicaid.
This page leaves out dollar limits. Check SSA's current SSI rules before relying on any number. Read SSA's SSI overview.