SSDI vs SSI Supplemental 2027
SSDI: work credits based, $1,300-$3,800/mo. SSI: need-based, $914/mo (2024). SSDI gets Medicare; SSI gets Medicaid.
| Work credits | — |
| Monthly income | — |
| Total assets | — |
| Disability severity | — |
| SSDI eligible | — |
| SSI eligible | — |
| SSDI benefit | — |
| SSI benefit | — |
| Combined benefit | — |
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are separate disability programs with different eligibility criteria. SSDI: work-credit based, no asset limit, larger benefits ($1,300-$3,800/mo). SSI: need-based with strict asset limit ($2,000), smaller benefit ($914/mo max 2024). Some qualify for both ('concurrent').
SSDI Work Credit Requirements
Need 40 credits (10 years) typically. Recent work test: 20 credits in last 10 years. Younger workers (under 31) less. Each credit: $1,810 earnings (2024). 4 credits/year max. Benefits based on Average Indexed Monthly Earnings.
SSI Means Testing
Income limit: $914/month for individual ($1,371 couple, 2024). Asset limit: $2,000 ($3,000 couple). Exempt: home + 1 vehicle. Strict — even $5 over disqualifies. Re-determined every 1-6 years.
Healthcare Differences
SSDI: Medicare 24 months after entitlement. SSI: Medicaid immediately (state-administered, varies). Both: extensive but different coverage. Some get both Medicare + Medicaid (dual eligible) — comprehensive coverage.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: SSA Disability Programs.