You can receive both disability and Social Security, but the rules depend on which disability program you're in

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are already receiving a form of Social Security. SSDI is a Social Security program for people who cannot work due to a medical condition. You cannot receive SSDI and also collect a separate disability payment from another source — but you may be able to receive SSDI alongside certain other benefits.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for disabled, blind, or elderly people with limited income and resources, the rules are stricter. SSI has income and resource limits, and receiving other payments can reduce or eliminate your SSI check.

The key difference is that SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is based on financial need. Understanding which program you're in — or whether you might may have access to for both — determines what other income you can have.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI is a Social Security program itself, so you cannot receive SSDI and a separate Social Security disability payment at the same time.
  • If you receive SSDI, you can work part-time and earn up to a certain amount per month without losing benefits, through a program called Trial Work Period.
  • SSI has strict income and resource limits, and other payments you receive will reduce your monthly SSI amount dollar-for-dollar above a small exclusion.
  • You can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time if your SSDI payment is very low, though this is uncommon.
  • Certain types of income, like food stamps or housing information, do not count against SSI limits, but cash payments from family members or other sources do.

How SSDI and other Social Security payments interact

SSDI is a Social Security benefit. The Social Security Administration runs it. When you receive SSDI, you are receiving disability benefits through the Social Security system — there is no separate "disability payment" on top of it.

However, if you are receiving SSDI and you reach full retirement age, the Social Security Administration will convert your SSDI to a retirement benefit at the same rate. This is automatic and happens without you taking any action. Your payment amount stays the same; only the name of the program changes on your statement.

If you are receiving SSDI and a family member becomes may have access to to benefits on your work record — such as your spouse or child — they can receive a payment based on your earnings history. This does not reduce your SSDI check. These are called family benefits, and they are separate payments to them, not deductions from you.

How SSI works with other income and benefits

SSI is different because it is a means-tested program. The Social Security Administration looks at your total income and resources to decide how much you receive each month. If you have other income, your SSI payment shrinks.

The first $65 of monthly income you earn from work, plus half of anything above that, does not count against SSI. So if you earn $100 a month, only $17.50 counts as income ($100 minus $65, then half of $35). But unearned income — such as gifts from family, child support, or payments from other sources — counts dollar-for-dollar after a $20 monthly exclusion. If your mother gives you $200 a month, $180 of it counts as income and reduces your SSI by $180.

Certain benefits do not count as income at all. Food stamps (now called SNAP), housing information, and Medicaid do not reduce your SSI. But cash information, unemployment benefits, and workers' compensation do count.

Whether you can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time

You can receive both SSDI and SSI simultaneously, but only in specific circumstances. This happens when your SSDI payment is very low — lower than the SSI federal benefit rate for your state. The Social Security Administration will pay you SSDI first, then add SSI on top to bring you up to the SSI minimum.

This is uncommon because most people who may have access to for SSDI have enough work history to receive a payment above the SSI limit. But it can occur if you worked very briefly before becoming disabled, or if you had very low earnings during your working years.

If you receive both, the income rules for SSI still explore. Other income you receive will reduce the SSI portion of your payment, not the SSDI portion.

Working while receiving SSDI

The Social Security Administration has programs that let you work part-time and keep your SSDI. The Trial Work Period allows you to work and earn any amount for nine months without losing benefits. During these nine months, you must report your work to Social Security, but your SSDI payment continues in full.

After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended Period of may be able to access, which lasts 36 months. During this time, you can work and earn up to a certain amount each month (called Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA) without losing your benefits. If you earn more than the SGA amount in any month, your benefits stop for that month, but they can restart if your earnings drop below it again.

If you stop working or your earnings fall below SGA, your SSDI restarts automatically without a new medical review, as long as you are still within the 36-month window. This safety net exists specifically to encourage people to try working.

What counts as a resource for SSI purposes

SSI also has a resource limit — you can own only a certain amount in cash, bank accounts, and other countable assets. The limit varies by state but is typically around $2,000 for an individual. Resources above this limit make you ineligible for SSI.

Not everything counts. Your home and the land it sits on do not count. One vehicle does not count. Household goods and personal items do not count. But a second car, a savings account, stocks, or bonds do count toward the limit.

If you receive a lump sum — such as an inheritance, a legal settlement, or back pay from a job — it counts as a resource when ready. Some people use this money to buy things that do not count (like home repairs or a vehicle) before the Social Security Administration reviews their case, but you should speak with a Social Security representative about your specific situation before doing this.

How other government benefits affect SSDI and SSI

Workers' compensation and certain other government benefits can reduce your SSDI payment. If you receive workers' compensation for a work-related injury, the Social Security Administration may reduce your SSDI so that the two payments combined do not exceed 80 percent of your average earnings before you became disabled. This is called the Family Maximum.

Veterans benefits, unemployment benefits, and pension payments do not reduce SSDI. However, they do count as income for SSI purposes and will reduce your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar (after the $20 monthly exclusion for unearned income).

Public information programs like SNAP and housing vouchers do not count as income for either SSDI or SSI. Medicaid is also not counted as income. These programs are designed to stack with disability benefits, not replace them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSDI and workers' compensation at the same time?

Yes, but your SSDI may be reduced. The Social Security Administration uses a formula called the Family Maximum to may support your combined benefits do not exceed 80 percent of your average pre-disability earnings. You can receive both, but the total is capped.

If I receive SSI, can I accept a gift from a family member?

Yes, but gifts count as unearned income. The first $20 per month is excluded, but anything above that reduces your SSI dollar-for-dollar. A $200 gift means $180 counts as income and your SSI drops by $180 that month.

What happens to my SSDI if I go back to work and earn too much?

During your Trial Work Period (nine months), you can earn any amount and keep full benefits. After that, if you earn more than the SGA amount in a month, your benefits stop that month. If your earnings drop below SGA again, your benefits restart automatically within 36 months of the Trial Work Period ending.

Can I receive SSI if I own a car?

Yes. One vehicle does not count toward your resource limit, no matter its value. If you own a second car, that one counts as a resource and counts toward your $2,000 limit.

Do I have to report other income to Social Security?

Yes. If you receive SSDI or SSI, you must report any work earnings, gifts, or other income to Social Security. Failure to report can result in overpayments that you will have to repay, and in some cases, penalties.