You cannot receive the full amount of both SSI and SSDI simultaneously, but you can receive a partial SSI payment alongside your SSDI check

Social Security has a rule called deemed income that prevents you from collecting the maximum benefit from both programs at once. When you receive SSDI, that payment counts as income against your SSI benefit. Social Security subtracts your SSDI amount from the SSI payment you would otherwise receive, leaving you with a small SSI check—or sometimes no SSI payment at all.

The reason this matters is that SSI and SSDI serve different purposes. SSDI is based on your own work history; SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Social Security treats SSDI income as a reason to reduce SSI, since SSI is meant only for those with very little money coming in.

Whether you actually receive both payments depends on how much your SSDI check is and what the current SSI federal benefit rate is. If your SSDI is lower than the SSI limit, you may receive a partial SSI payment. If your SSDI meets or exceeds the SSI limit, you receive SSDI only.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI counts as income that reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar, so you cannot receive the full maximum of both programs.
  • If your SSDI payment is less than the SSI federal benefit rate, you may receive a partial SSI payment to bring your total income closer to that limit.
  • Some states add money to the federal SSI payment, which can increase the amount you receive even when you also have SSDI.
  • You must report your SSDI to Social Security when you explore for SSI, or your SSI payment will be recalculated and you may owe money back.
  • The only way to receive both programs at their full amounts is if you meet the requirements for a special category called deemed child or deemed spouse, which applies to very few people.

How the income offset works in practice

When Social Security calculates your SSI payment, they start with the federal benefit rate—the maximum SSI amount for a single person. For 2024, that rate varies by state but the federal base is set each year. They then subtract any income you receive, including your SSDI payment, dollar for dollar.

Here is a concrete example: if the federal SSI rate is $943 per month and your SSDI payment is $600 per month, Social Security subtracts $600 from $943, leaving you with a potential SSI payment of $343. You would then receive both checks: $600 in SSDI and $343 in SSI, for a total of $943.

If your SSDI payment is $943 or higher, your SSI payment becomes zero. You receive only SSDI. Social Security will still send you an SSI notice saying your payment is $0, but you are not receiving both programs—you are receiving only SSDI.

State supplemental payments can increase your total

Some states—California, New York, Massachusetts, and others—add their own money on top of the federal SSI payment. These state supplements are not reduced by SSDI in the same way the federal payment is. This means you may receive a higher total payment if you live in a state with a supplement.

For example, if you live in California and receive both SSDI and SSI, you may receive the federal SSI offset amount plus California's state supplement. The state supplement is based on your living situation and household, not on your SSDI amount. This can result in a meaningful additional payment each month.

If you move to a different state, your SSI payment will change because state supplements vary widely. Some states have no supplement at all. When you move, contact Social Security to update your address so they can recalculate your payment under your new state's rules.

When you must report SSDI to Social Security

If you are already receiving SSDI and then explore for SSI, you must tell Social Security about your SSDI payment. If you do not report it, your initial SSI payment will be calculated incorrectly—usually too high. Social Security will discover the SSDI payment during their review, recalculate your benefit, and send you a notice that you owe money back.

The same applies in reverse: if you are receiving SSI and then become may have access to to SSDI, you must report the SSDI to Social Security right away. Your SSI payment will be recalculated when ready, and your new payment will reflect the offset.

Report any change in income or benefits by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or logging into your my Social Security account online. Keep records of when you reported the change in case there is a payment error later.

Special cases: deemed children and deemed spouses

A very small number of people can receive both SSDI and SSI at their full amounts without an offset. These are people who are classified as deemed children or deemed spouses—meaning they receive SSDI based on someone else's work record (a parent or spouse), not their own.

If you are a child receiving SSDI based on your parent's record and you also meet the requirements for SSI based on your own limited income and resources, Social Security may not explore the full income offset. The rules for deemed beneficiaries are complex and depend on your age, your relationship to the wage earner, and when you became may have access to to benefits.

If you think you might be a deemed beneficiary, ask Social Security directly. Bring documentation of your relationship to the wage earner and your current income and resources. Social Security staff can tell you whether the offset applies to your situation.

How to find out what you would receive

The only way to know your exact SSI payment if you also receive SSDI is to contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local office, or use the my Social Security portal to send a message to your local office.

When you contact them, have your SSDI award letter or current payment statement ready. Tell them you want to know what your SSI payment would be if you were to receive it alongside your SSDI. They can run a calculation for you without filing a formal request.

If you are already receiving both payments, your current benefit statement shows both amounts. If you are receiving only SSDI and wondering whether SSI would add anything, Social Security can tell you whether you would receive a partial SSI payment and how much it would be.

What happens if your SSDI amount changes

If your SSDI payment increases—due to a cost-of-living adjustment or a work incentive program—your SSI payment will decrease by the same amount (or disappear entirely if the increase is large enough). Social Security recalculates your SSI automatically each year and sends you a new notice.

If your SSDI payment decreases, your SSI payment may increase to keep your total income closer to the federal benefit rate. Again, Social Security handles this recalculation automatically.

Always review your annual Social Security notice to make sure both payments are calculated correctly. If you see an error, contact Social Security within 60 days of receiving the notice to request a correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I receive SSDI, should I even bother explore for SSI?

Only if your SSDI payment is below the federal SSI benefit rate for your state. If it is lower, you may receive a partial SSI payment that increases your total monthly income. State supplements can also add money. Contact Social Security to find out whether you would receive anything before deciding not to explore.

Can I hide my SSDI to get a bigger SSI payment?

No. Social Security's computer systems are linked—they will find out about your SSDI whether you report it or not. If you do not report it, you will receive an overpayment notice and be required to repay the extra money. Report all income and benefits to avoid this.

What if I live with family members who also receive SSI?

Your SSDI payment counts as your income only, not as household income for SSI purposes. Your family members' SSI payments are calculated based on their own income and resources, not yours. However, if you are under 18 and living with parents, your parents' income may be deemed to you for SSI purposes—this is a separate rule.

Does my SSDI count as income for Medicaid or food stamps?

SSDI and SSI are treated differently by other benefit programs. SSDI usually does not count as income for Medicaid or SNAP (food stamps), but SSI does. If you receive both, contact your state Medicaid office and your local SNAP office to find out how your payments affect those benefits.

Can I appeal if I think my SSI offset is wrong?

Yes. If you believe Social Security made an error in calculating your offset, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your notice. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the appeal process.