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The Federal Government funds the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI), which provides cash assistance to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals (including children) with limited income and resources. Many states present an additional benefit to these purposes in addition to federal benefits. Some states have even combined their contribution with the federal SSI payment into a monthly beneficiary check. Authorized by Title XVI of the Social Security Act, SSI benefits are a vital lifeline for many.
The SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI programs have overlapping concepts and terms. However, critical differences in rules, eligibility, and benefit payments exist. Understanding these differences has been crucial for many who may be eligible for benefits under both programs.
| SSDI | SSI | |
|---|---|---|
Source of payments | Disability trust fund | General tax revenues |
Minimum Initial Qualification Requirements |
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Health Insurance Coverage Provided | Medicare. Consists of hospital insurance (Part A), supplementary medical insurance (Part B), and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Voluntary prescription drug benefits (Part D) are also included. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicare. | Medicaid. Medicaid is a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for low-income and needy individuals. It covers certain children, some or all of the aged, blind, and/or disabled in a State who are eligible to receive Federally assisted income maintenance payments. Title XIX of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicaid. The law gives the state options regarding eligibility under Medicaid. |
How do we figure your monthly payment amount? | We base your SSDI monthly payment amount on the worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. We may reduce the amount if you receive Workers’ Compensation payments (including Black Lung payments) and/or public disability benefits, for example, certain state and civil service disability benefits. Other income or resources do not affect the payment amount. We usually adjust the monthly payment amount each year to account for cost-of-living changes. We can also pay SSDI monthly benefits to dependents on your record, such as minor children. | To figure your payment amount, we start with the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). In 2011, the FBR is $674 for a qualified individual and $1,011 for a qualified couple. We subtract your countable income from the FBR and then add your state supplement if any. We do not count all of the income that you have. The income amount left after we make all the allowable deductions is “countable income”. The sections on SSI employment supports explain some of the ways that we can exclude income. We usually adjust the FBR each year to account for cost-of-living changes. |
Is a State Supplemental Payment provided? | There is no State Supplemental payment with the SSDI program. | Many states pay some persons who receive SSI an additional amount called a “state supplement”. The amounts and qualifications for these state supplements vary from state to state. |
| Benefit Category | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate (New) |
| SSI Max (Individual) | $967 | $994 |
| SSI Max (Couple) | $1,450 | $1,491 |
| SGA Limit (Non-Blind) | $1,620 | $1,690 |
| SGA Limit (Blind) | $2,700 | $2,830 |
We always bear in mind that what matters most are RESULTS. Therefore, we ensure no fees are levied until we recover your compensation.