SSDI provides financial support for those who are unable to work due to a disability. While this is a helpful resource, it often doesn’t provide enough financial support. Many people who are on SSDI choose to seek out other benefits but are unaware of how being on SSDI can affect what other benefits they can receive. SSDI can also impact your eligibility for other programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Medicare. In this blog, we’ll explore how receiving SSDI can influence some of these benefits, offering you a clear guide to navigating these complexities.
SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSDI and SSI provide benefits for those who meet Social Security’s definition of disability. The key difference is that SSI is unrelated to work history and is based on need. You can’t receive SSI if your “countable” income is higher than a federal limit, which in 2024 is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. These amounts are also the maximum federal SSI payments. Social Security counts SSDI and other benefits as income but excludes $20 a month. So, if your SSDI benefit is more than $963, you won’t qualify for SSI. If your SSDI is less than that, you might still get SSI, but it will be reduced by most of your SSDI amount.
Benefits of Receiving Both SSDI and SSI
If your combined benefits are limited by the SSI maximum, you might wonder if it’s worth applying for both SSDI and SSI. Here’s why it can be beneficial:
- Additional Income: If your SSDI payment is low because of a low-wage job or limited work history, SSI can provide extra financial support until you can return to work.
- No Waiting Period: SSDI benefits start six months after Social Security determines you became disabled, but SSI has no waiting period. You can receive full SSI payments while waiting for SSDI to begin.
- Health Care Coverage: While SSDI recipients eventually qualify for Medicare, it doesn’t start until you’ve been on SSDI for 24 months. In contrast, SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid right away, helping with health care costs until Medicare starts.
Read More: Supplemental Security Income vs Social Security Disability
Medicaid and Medicare
If you are receiving SSDI, you are automatically eligible for Medicare. After you’ve been approved for SSDI, there’s a 24-month waiting period before you can start receiving Medicare benefits. This waiting period begins from the date you are eligible for SSDI, not from when you start receiving payments. Once the waiting period ends, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part and Part B.
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid can help cover costs that Medicare doesn’t, such as premiums, co-payments, and deductibles. This can be helpful during the 24-month waiting period before Medicare begins, Medicaid can help cover other healthcare costs. You may still qualify for Medicaid even if your SSDI income is above the limit, especially if you have high medical bills. Additionally, some individuals can keep Medicaid even after they qualify for Medicare, as a “dual eligible.” Medicare will be your primary insurance, but Medicaid can help cover services that Medicare doesn’t, like dental care or long-term care. Medicaid might also help pay your Medicare premiums.
Learn More: Do You Get Medicare Automatically With SSDI?
Legal Help for Those Seeking Benefits
Managing multiple benefits can be complex, but understanding how SSDI impacts SSI, Medicaid, and Medicare is important to receive as much support as your entitled to. For personalized assistance with your SSDI and benefits management, contact Tabak Law. Our experts are here to help you understand and manage the complexities of your benefits.
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