What You Actually Receive When You Get Both SSI and SSDI

You cannot receive the full amount of both SSI and SSDI at the same time

If you are receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and you also meet the income and asset limits for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Social Security will pay you SSDI first. Then SSI adds only enough to bring your total to the federal SSI payment amount for your state. You do not get both payments in full — the SSI payment is reduced by however much SSDI you already receive.

This is called deemed income. Your SSDI is counted as income when SSI calculates what you need. The result is that most people who receive both programs get a small SSI payment on top of their SSDI, not a doubled benefit.

The exception is if you live in a state that adds its own money to the federal SSI amount. In those states, you may receive the federal SSI reduction plus a small state supplement. But the core rule remains: SSI does not add to SSDI dollar-for-dollar.

Key Takeaways

SSI reduces its payment by the full amount of your SSDI, so receiving both programs means you get SSDI plus a partial SSI payment, not two full payments.
The maximum combined payment depends on your state, because some states add their own supplement to the federal SSI base amount.
You must meet SSI's strict income and asset limits ($2,000 in countable assets for an individual in most states) even though you already receive SSDI.
If your SSDI payment is already at or above your state's SSI limit, you will receive SSDI only and no SSI payment at all.
Your SSDI payment amount does not change because you also receive SSI — only the SSI payment is reduced.

How the payment reduction actually works

Suppose you receive $1,200 per month in SSDI and you live in a state where the federal SSI payment is $943 per month (the 2024 federal rate). Social Security counts your $1,200 SSDI as income. Since $1,200 is already more than $943, you receive $0 in SSI. You get only your $1,200 SSDI.

Now suppose you receive $800 per month in SSDI instead. Social Security subtracts $800 from the $943 SSI limit. That leaves $143. You receive $800 SSDI plus $143 SSI, for a total of $943 per month.

If you live in a state that adds a supplement — for example, California adds money to the federal amount — your SSI payment may be higher, but it still reduces by your full SSDI amount. The state supplement is added after the reduction, not before.

Which states pay SSI supplements and how much

Fifteen states and Washington, D.C. add their own money to the federal SSI payment. These are California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The supplement amounts vary widely and change each year.

For example, California's state supplement for an individual living independently was $70.30 per month in 2024. New York's was $87.50. Some states' supplements are much smaller. The federal government does not publish a single list of current state rates — you must contact your state's SSI program or call Social Security to learn your state's current supplement.

Even in states with supplements, the reduction rule applies. Your SSDI is subtracted from the combined federal-plus-state amount, and SSI pays only the remainder.

Asset and income limits you must still meet

Receiving SSDI does not waive SSI's asset limits. You must have no more than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 if you are married and both spouses receive SSI). Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home and one vehicle are not counted.

SSI also counts income other than SSDI. If you work, earn rental income, or receive other benefits, that income is counted and may reduce your SSI payment further or disqualify you from SSI entirely. Your SSDI is counted as income, but it is not the only income SSI looks at.

If you exceed the asset limit or your total income (including SSDI) exceeds your state's SSI limit, you lose SSI. You keep your SSDI, but the SSI payment stops.

When you might receive only SSDI and no SSI

If your SSDI payment is equal to or higher than your state's SSI limit, you will not receive any SSI payment. This is the most common situation for people who receive both programs — they receive SSDI only.

You also lose SSI if you exceed the asset limit, even if your income is below the SSI threshold. And if you have other income (from work, pensions, or other sources) that, combined with your SSDI, exceeds your state's limit, SSI will reduce or eliminate your payment.

In all these cases, your SSDI continues unchanged. Only the SSI portion is affected.

How to find out what you will receive

Your Social Security statement shows your SSDI amount. To learn whether you also receive SSI and how much, check your most recent benefit letter from Social Security, which lists both payments separately if you receive both.

If you do not have a recent letter, you can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and view your payment details online. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for a benefits verification letter, which will show your SSDI and SSI amounts side by side.

If you think you may be receiving only SSDI but you meet SSI's income and asset limits, contact your local Social Security office or call the number above. SSI is not automatic — you must have filed for it separately, and some people who could receive it have never applied.

What changes if your SSDI amount increases

If your SSDI payment increases — for example, due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) — your SSI payment will decrease by the same amount, assuming you were receiving both. Your total payment stays the same or increases only by the amount of the state supplement (if your state has one).

This is why people who receive both programs often see little or no increase in their total benefit when SSDI goes up. The SSI reduction offsets the SSDI increase.

If your SSDI increase pushes your total above your state's SSI limit, your SSI payment may drop to zero. You will then receive SSDI only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive the full amount of both SSI and SSDI?

No. SSI reduces its payment by your full SSDI amount. If you receive $900 SSDI and your state's SSI limit is $943, you receive $900 SSDI plus $43 SSI, not $900 plus $943. The only exception is a state supplement, which is added after the reduction.

What if I live in a state with an SSI supplement?

The state supplement is added to the federal SSI amount before your SSDI is subtracted. So your total possible payment is higher, but your SSDI still reduces the SSI portion dollar-for-dollar. Contact your state's SSI program or Social Security to learn your state's current supplement amount.

If my SSDI goes up, does my SSI go up too?

No. When SSDI increases, SSI decreases by the same amount. Your total payment stays roughly the same (unless a state supplement applies). This is why COLA increases often do not change the total benefit for people receiving both programs.

Do I have to reapply for SSI if I already receive SSDI?

Yes. SSDI and SSI are separate programs with separate applications. Receiving SSDI does not automatically put you on SSI. If you think you meet SSI's income and asset limits, you must file a separate SSI process at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.

What happens to my SSI if my SSDI payment increases above the SSI limit?

Your SSI payment drops to zero. You continue to receive SSDI, but you no longer receive any SSI. If your income later decreases, you can contact Social Security to restart your SSI.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.