# SSI vs SSDI

Both SSI and SSDI are run by the Social Security Administration and both use the same medical definition of disability, but the eligibility rules and the benefit amounts are different. SSDI requires enough work credits and pays based on your lifetime earnings; SSI has no work requirement but caps income and countable resources at $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for a couple).

**Direct answer:** SSI and SSDI are two separate federal disability programs: SSDI is insurance based on your work history, while SSI is a needs-based program for people with very limited income and resources.

## What is the core difference?

    SSDI is insurance funded by FICA payroll taxes and requires [work credits](/answers/how-many-work-credits-do-i-need-for-ssdi); SSI is a welfare program funded by general tax revenue with strict income and resource limits.

    
## Do the medical rules differ?

    No — both programs use the same definition of disability and the same [Blue Book](/blue-book) medical listings.

    
## What health coverage comes with each?

    SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare 24 months after entitlement; SSI recipients typically qualify for Medicaid immediately in most states.

    
## Can someone get both?

    Yes — receiving both is called "concurrent benefits" and happens when a person qualifies for a small SSDI check and still meets SSI income limits.

## Sources
- SSA — SSI vs SSDI Comparison — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-over-ussi.htm
- SSA — Medicare for People with Disabilities — https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

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

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