Can I receive both SSD and SSI benefits?

Eligibility For SSD And SSI Together

In some cases, a claimant could receive both SSD and SSI at the same time. This happens when you have worked enough to qualify for SSD, but your benefits from SSD would be at a very low amount. For instance, if you are scheduled to receive only $400 per month from SSD, the government will let you supplement this amount with some SSI money. Together these benefits must reach the minimum cost of living figure for your given state.

What SSD And SSI Have In Common

SSD and SSI share on very important thing in common: the legal definition and the process for proving disability are the same. Setting aside all income and work calculations and requirements, the bottom line is that if you are medically disabled for SSD, you are medically disabled for SSI as well. Later we will look at what it means to be disabled by Social Security’s tough rules. We will also break down each stage of the application process in detail.

As a preview of that, you should know the following information. Your application for SSD and SSI can be filed at any time. Your case will probably be stronger if you do it close to when your disability started, known as your “onset date.” Once you file, either at a Social Security office of on line, or with a representative, your application is reviewed by analysts. Eventually, it can be seen by a judge. There are several stages where you can either win your case or be denied benefits. With each denial, you can appeal to the next stage. At each stage, the analyst or judge will evaluate the merits of your case based on how strong the evidence is. He or she will follow a 5-step evaluation process that we will discuss later.