# What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

Both programs use the same medical definition of disability, but they are funded and awarded differently. SSDI is paid from the Social Security Trust Fund; SSI is paid from general federal tax revenue.

**Direct answer:** The core difference is that SSDI is insurance earned through work credits, while SSI is a needs-based program with income and resource limits and no work requirement.

## What is SSDI?
SSDI is [disability insurance](/ssdi) paid to workers with enough [work credits](/answers/how-many-work-credits-do-i-need-for-ssdi).

   
## What is SSI?
SSI is a needs-based program for disabled or elderly people with very limited income and resources ($2,000 individual / $3,000 couple).

   
## Can I qualify for both?
Yes — this is called "concurrent benefits."

## Sources
- SSA — SSI vs SSDI Comparison — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-over-ussi.htm

## Related questions
- [What is SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-is-ssdi)
- [How many work credits do I need for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-many-work-credits-do-i-need-for-ssdi)
## Topics
- SSI vs SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi-vs-ssdi
- SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssdi
- Work Credits — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/how-many-work-credits-do-i-need-for-ssdi

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