Getting Social Security payments can be hard, especially if you want to get both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time. The Social Security Administration (SSA) made big changes in 2025 to make the application process easier and more open to everyone. This guide gives you an overview of these changes and gives you clear examples and useful tips to help you understand and handle the process of getting both SSDI and SSI payments at the same time.
How to Get Both SSDI and SSI Benefits in 2025
In 2025, applying for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has become easier thanks to simplified online forms and a more user-friendly application process. Individuals who qualify for both programs may receive what are called concurrent benefits, offering vital financial support to those with disabilities and limited income.
| Aspect | SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. | Needs-based for individuals with limited income/resources who are aged 65+ or have a qualifying disability. |
| Benefit Amounts | Determined by average lifetime earnings; varies per individual. | Standard monthly payment; in 2025, up to $967 for individuals, $1,450 for couples. |
| Application Methods | Online via SSA’s website, phone (1-800-772-1213), or in-person at local SSA office. | Same as SSDI. |
| Concurrent Benefits | Possible to receive both SSDI and SSI if eligibility criteria are met, known as “concurrent benefits.” | Same as SSDI. |
| Work Incentives | Programs like Trial Work Period (TWP) allow beneficiaries to test working without immediate loss of benefits. | Programs like Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) allow certain recipients to exclude income from work, encouraging employment. |
SSDI benefits are based on work history and taxes paid, while SSI supports those with low income or disabilities. Apply online at www.ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local SSA office. In 2025, the SSA has simplified the process with easier forms and offers work incentives to help beneficiaries stay employed without losing benefits.
Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI
In 2025, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) serve distinct purposes:
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals aged 65 or older, or those who are blind or disabled, with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, the maximum federal benefit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Actual payments may vary based on income, assets, and living arrangements.
SSDI provides benefits to individuals unable to work due to long-term disabilities, based on their work history and Social Security tax contributions. Earning over $1,620 monthly ($2,700 for blind individuals) may disqualify applicants. Typically, 20 recent work credits are required.
How to Apply for SSDI and SSI Benefits in 2025
Online Application for SSDI and SSI (2025)
In December 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) introduced a simplified online application process for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This enhancement reduced the number of questions from 54 to as few as 12, depending on the applicant’s responses, making the process more user-friendly. The SSA plans to make this streamlined application available to all applicants by late 2025. Additionally, individuals can now apply for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI simultaneously through the SSA’s official website.
Steps to Apply Online:
- Visit the SSA official website.
- Start the SSDI application; you’ll be asked if you also want to apply for SSI.
- Fill in eligibility questions and submit the necessary documents.
- Complete any required interviews or follow-ups as scheduled.
Phone or In-Person Application
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) to make an appointment.
- You can also visit your local SSA office — scheduling an appointment in advance is recommended to avoid waiting.
SSDI Eligibility Criteria
- Work Credits: Earn up to 4 credits per year; typically, 20 credits over the last 5 years are needed.
- Disability Requirement: You must have a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
SSI Eligibility Criteria
- Age or Disability: Must be 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability.
- Income Limits (2025):
- Individuals: $1,000/month
- Couples: $1,500/month
- Resource Limits:
- Individuals: $2,000
- Couples: $3,000
- SSI is strictly needs-based and evaluates your financial situation.
Receiving Concurrent Benefits (SSDI + SSI)
- You may qualify for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously if you meet both eligibility requirements.
- If your SSDI benefit is low, SSI may supplement your total income.
- Example: If your SSDI payment is $500, your SSI may be adjusted to bring your total income closer to the 2025 SSI federal standard ($943/month for individuals).
Work Incentives and Earning While on Benefits
For SSDI: Trial Work Period (TWP)
- You may work for up to 9 months and earn:
- Up to $1,050/month, or
- $1,750/month if you are blind
- Your SSDI benefits won’t be affected during this trial period.
- If you continue earning substantially after the TWP, you may lose eligibility.
For SSI: Earned Income Exclusions
- This incentive helps you try working without an immediate reduction in SSI.
- The first $65 of monthly earnings is excluded.
- Half of your remaining income is also excluded when calculating your SSI payment.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Methods | Online (SSA Website), Phone (1-800-772-1213), or Local SSA Office |
| Online Updates | SSI form simplified (12 questions); full rollout by late 2025 |
| SSDI Eligibility | 20 recent work credits, disability lasting 12+ months |
| SSI Eligibility | Aged 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income/resources |
| Income/Resource Limits (SSI) | $1,000/mo income & $2,000 resources (individual); $1,500 & $3,000 (couples) |
| Concurrent Benefits | Possible if SSDI is low; SSI fills the gap up to standard amount |
| SSDI Work Incentive | TWP: Work & earn without benefit loss for 9 months |
| SSI Work Incentive | Income exclusion allows part-time work without major SSI reduction |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a needs-based program providing financial assistance to individuals aged 65 or older, or those who are blind or disabled, with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, the maximum federal benefit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Actual payments may vary based on income, assets, and living arrangements.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
SSDI offers benefits to individuals unable to work due to long-term disabilities, based on their work history and Social Security tax contributions. In 2025, earning over $1,620 monthly ($2,700 for blind individuals) may disqualify applicants. Typically, 20 recent work credits are required.
What recent changes have been made to the SSI application process?
In December 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) introduced a simplified online Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application, reducing questions from 54 to as few as 12. By late 2025, this streamlined process will be available to all applicants. Additionally, individuals can now apply for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI simultaneously through the SSA’s official website.
What are the key differences between SSDI and SSI benefits in 2025?
In 2025, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will be available to people who can’t work because of long-term disabilities. Eligibility will depend on their work experience and the amount of Social Security taxes they have paid. Applicants may not be accepted if they make more than $1,620 a month ($2,700 for blind people), and they usually need 20 recent work credits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is a needs-based program for people aged 65 or older, blind, or crippled who have little money and resources and have never worked. The most a person can get from the federal government is $943 a month, and a couple can get $1,415 a month. However, real payments may be different depending on income, assets, and where the person lives.
