• Does Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pay more than Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically pays more each month to those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) than to those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). As of 2018, SSA pays an average SSI rate of $750 per month for individuals—or $1,125 for couples who are both on benefits. At the same time, SSA pays an average monthly SSDI rate of $1,197. SSI can vary from one month to the next—and can fall below $750—depending on income and assets.  In contrast, SSDI will only go up if the federal government approves a cost-of-living increase.

• Can someone get both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the same time?

Applicants can receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—something known as “concurrent benefits”—from the Social Security Administration (SSA) under certain circumstances.   If the applicant meets the strict income and asset test for SSI and their SSDI benefit is less than the current SSI benefit, then they may receive a supplement from SSI.