Can You Be Eligible For Both SSI And SSDI?

Yes – quite possible. This is called a concurrent claim. As mentioned in an earlier article, it is sometimes wise to wait to file for SSDI. SSDI is the benefit based on your work record, but requires a 5 month wait period before actually receiving the first monthly check. Many people hold off filing for benefits for many months in the hopes of getting better and returning to work. When reality sets in and they realize that returning to work will not be possible, they have often exhausted their savings, may be in foreclosure on their home, possibly losing their car, and facing a mounting stack of medical bills. As mentioned earlier, if now “poor” enough, SSI can begin immediately if you are seriously disabled the disability is expected to remain severe for the foreseeable future. But most important to remember, other than a car and possibly the home you live in, your assets cannot total no more than $2,000.00 if single, or $ 3,000.00 if married. Now would be the time to file for SSI without delay.

If the claim is successful, you will be able to collect SSI for the 5 month waiting period required for SSDIB, and then beginning with the 6th month of your disability, your SSDIB benefit will start. The amount of your SSDIB benefit is usually a much higher amount than the SSI benefit. But in some cases, if the work history is very spotty, and there were large gaps of no wages earned, the SSDIB benefit could be less than what you would receive under SSI. In that case, you would receive BOTH SSI and SSDIB. The total would be what you would receive if SSI was your only benefit, plus an additional $20.00. It would be paid to you in two separate payments. Again, getting advice BEFORE YOU FILE for anything can make all the difference in the world in regards to your claim and the protection of yourself and your family. Remember, DIAL BEFORE YOU FILE.