SSDI/SSI Overlapping Benefits

When a disability prevents you from working, you may be eligible for benefits under both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. When benefits overlap, the team at Burgess & Christensen can help you obtain the maximum available in your situation. Our team works to secure the best solution to meet your needs now and in the future.

Understanding the Programs

Both the SSDI and SSI programs are administered by the Social Security Administration although they are funded differently. SSDI operates as insurance. Workers essentially pay a premium through the payroll taxes that creates their eligibility over time. They must generally have worked the equivalent of ten years of full time employment to earn enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Moreover, a substantial portion of the work credits must have been earned within the past five years. If someone has not worked much in the past ten years, they are not likely to qualify for SSDI.

SSI, on the other hand, provides a source of income for individuals who lack resources of their own to draw on. Eligibility for this program is not based on work performed in the past but on needs at the present. You cannot have much income. In addition, while you are allowed to have a home, car, and basic household items, clothing, and furniture, you can’t have a lot of other property, including money in the bank.

If you are age 65 or older, you can receive SSI benefits without showing that you are unable to work due to a disability. To receive SSI benefits at a younger age, or to receive SSDI benefits, you must demonstrate that you cannot work because of a qualifying disability.

Concurrent Benefits

When someone is eligible for both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time, the Social Security Administration refers to the reception of overlapping benefits as concurrent benefits. Because SSI benefits are only available to those with a low monthly income, your SSDI benefits would need to be low for you to qualify under both programs. This might happen because you worked at a job with a low salary or if you did not work full time. It is also common for workers who are injured early in their careers.

If you are approved for SSI benefits, the amount will be reduced by amounts you receive from other sources, including SSDI benefits.

Proving You Qualify for SSDI and SSI

Demonstrating your work history and level of need is not the biggest challenge when it comes to qualifying for SSDI and SSI benefits. Usually, most people have difficulty proving to the Social Security Administration that they are unable to work due to their disabling condition. You need to submit evidence to show the extent of your disability and how it prevents you from working full-time.

At Burgess & Christensen, we focus our practice on disability benefits, so we know the most effective ways to demonstrate eligibility. We work to help gather persuasive evidence from physicians, therapists, experts, and others so that you can get approved and receive the benefits you need. If your claim is wrongfully denied, we fight effectively to get the decision changed through the appeals process. We can even pursue your claim in federal court if necessary.

Is There an Advantage to Having Overlapping Benefits?

You cannot receive more money by collecting both SSDI and SSI benefits, but there could be other advantages to having concurrent benefits. For instance, if your living situation changes and the Social Security Administration reduces the amount you can receive through SSI or decides that you no longer qualify due to assets, you can still receive income from your SSDI benefits. Your income from other sources, including assets,does not affect SSDI benefits.

The team at Burgess & Christensen can work to ensure that you are positioned in the most advantageous situation when you qualify for overlapping SSDI and SSI benefits.

Find Out if You May Be Eligible for Concurrent Benefits Through SSDI and SSI

When a disability prevents you from working, you can trust Burgess & Christensen to help you determine which program provides the best opportunity for benefits in your situation and to help you demonstrate your eligibility for benefits through one or both programs. We focus our practice on disability needs and we are dedicated to helping people the benefits they need.

To learn more and get started with filing an application or appealing a denial, contact Burgess & Christensen today for a free consultation and case evaluation.