For millions of Americans, financial stability often depends on Social Security and disability benefits. But a big question continues to surface — can you get both Social Security and disability at the same time? As of October 2025, several changes to payment methods, eligibility rules, and benefit calculations are influencing how these programs overlap.
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of Social Security benefit you receive, your work history, your income and assets, and recent policy shifts. This comprehensive guide breaks it all down — clearly, naturally, and with the most current updates available.
Why This Question Matters More in 2025
In previous years, most rules for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) remained relatively stable. But 2025 is different. Several significant changes have taken effect, including:
- The end of paper checks for federal benefits
- Adjustments to disability eligibility criteria
- Shifts in how age factors into disability decisions
- Repeal of certain provisions that previously reduced benefits
- Cost-of-living increases affecting monthly payment amounts
For people trying to navigate two programs at once — Social Security and disability — these changes affect not just eligibility but also timing, amount received, and even how to apply.
Understanding the Basics: Social Security vs. Disability
Before diving deeper into how the two can overlap, it’s essential to clarify what each benefit represents.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Based on your work history and Social Security tax contributions.
- Pays benefits to people who can no longer work due to a qualifying medical condition.
- You must have earned enough “work credits” to qualify.
- Payments are determined by your average lifetime earnings.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- A needs-based program, not tied to work history.
- Intended for people with limited income and resources.
- Funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
- The federal benefit rate in 2025 is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
- Available to eligible workers once they reach retirement age.
- Typically, people transition from SSDI to retirement benefits at Full Retirement Age (FRA).
- You cannot receive SSDI and Social Security retirement at the same time — the disability benefit automatically converts to retirement once you reach FRA.
The most common way someone receives “both” is by getting SSDI and SSI simultaneously. This is called concurrent benefits.
Concurrent Benefits: How You Can Get SSDI and SSI Together
Concurrent benefits happen when your SSDI benefit is low enough that you still meet SSI’s strict financial criteria.
For example:
- You qualify for SSDI based on your work history.
- Your SSDI monthly benefit is $600.
- The federal SSI maximum is $967.
- SSI will provide a $367 “top-up,” so your total monthly benefit equals $967.
However, if your SSDI benefit is higher than $967, you won’t receive any SSI supplement. In states that offer SSI supplements, the maximum amount can be higher, meaning more people might qualify for concurrent benefits.
Key factors that determine whether you can get both:
- Your SSDI monthly amount
- Your household income and resources
- Your state’s SSI supplement rules
- Any other benefits you receive (e.g., pensions, VA benefits)
2025 Changes Affecting Social Security and Disability
1. Paper Checks Are Officially Gone
Starting in October 2025, Social Security and disability benefits are no longer issued via paper checks. Beneficiaries must receive payments through direct deposit or a prepaid debit card.
While this may sound administrative, it affects thousands of recipients who relied on physical checks, especially in rural areas or among older adults. Delays could occur if people haven’t switched their payment method.
2. Identity Verification Rules Restored After Backlash
Earlier this year, SSA announced plans to eliminate phone-based identity verification, requiring all users to rely on digital systems. Disability advocates argued this would disproportionately harm older adults and people with disabilities.
In response, SSA reversed the policy and reinstated phone verification for disability and other benefit applications. This ensures individuals applying for both SSDI and SSI have more accessible options to verify their identity.
3. SSDI Eligibility Criteria Under Review
A major policy proposal is under discussion: changing how age impacts disability determinations.
Currently, applicants over 50 receive more favorable consideration because SSA assumes older workers are less able to adapt to new kinds of work. The proposal would raise or eliminate these age-based considerations, making it harder for some older individuals to qualify for SSDI.
If adopted, this could reduce the number of people eligible for concurrent benefits, particularly those aged 50–60.
4. SOAR Program Federal Funding Ended
The SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) program helped vulnerable populations — including the homeless and mentally ill — apply for and maintain benefits. Federal support ended in mid-2025, shifting responsibility to states.
This could create disparities. Some states may continue funding robust support, while others may not, affecting how easily people can apply for and keep concurrent benefits.
5. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Increased
For 2025, Social Security, SSDI, and SSI benefits received a cost-of-living increase to help keep pace with inflation. This affects both the SSDI monthly benefit amount and the SSI federal maximum.
A higher SSDI amount may push some recipients above the SSI eligibility threshold, meaning fewer will qualify for concurrent payments. On the other hand, for those already receiving both, their SSI may adjust accordingly.
Working While Receiving Both Social Security and Disability
Receiving SSDI or SSI doesn’t mean you’re prohibited from working — but there are rules to follow.
SSDI Work Rules
- The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit determines how much you can earn before SSDI benefits are affected. In 2025, it’s around $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.
- Trial Work Period (TWP) allows recipients to test working for up to nine months without losing benefits. After the TWP, SSA evaluates whether the work counts as “substantial.”
SSI Work Rules
- SSI benefits are reduced based on earned income. For every $2 you earn over $85, your SSI is reduced by $1.
- SSI also counts unearned income like pensions or gifts, which can affect eligibility.
Important: If you receive concurrent benefits, the SSDI portion follows SSDI rules, and the SSI portion follows SSI rules. This means you must manage both sets of requirements simultaneously.
Impact of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Repeal
The Windfall Elimination Provision previously reduced Social Security benefits (including disability) for people with pensions from non-covered employment.
In July 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act repealed WEP entirely. This means:
- Some individuals now receive higher SSDI benefits than before.
- Higher SSDI may push people above the SSI limit, reducing or eliminating their SSI supplement.
- Others may finally qualify for SSDI after being penalized by WEP in the past.
This change is a double-edged sword: it increases SSDI income but may reduce the number of people receiving both SSDI and SSI.
State Supplements and Medicaid Eligibility
Some states provide additional SSI payments on top of the federal benefit rate. These state supplements can increase monthly income and affect whether someone qualifies for concurrent benefits.
Additionally, 2025 saw increases to Medicaid “While Working” thresholds. This allows some individuals to work at higher income levels without losing Medicaid coverage — a critical factor for many disabled individuals who rely on both cash and healthcare benefits.
Practical Example: 2025 Concurrent Benefits Scenario
Maria, 55, worked part-time throughout her career, earning modest wages.
- Her SSDI benefit for 2025 is $620/month.
- She has no other income or significant assets.
- The SSI federal maximum is $967.
Maria qualifies for SSI to make up the difference — $347/month. Her total monthly income from Social Security and disability is $967.
If Maria started working part-time and earned $1,000/month, her SSI would decrease, but SSDI might remain unaffected depending on SGA limits. She would need to report income regularly to stay compliant.
What to Watch for in the Coming Months
- Age-based SSDI rule changes: If approved, these will affect older applicants the most.
- Trust fund solvency debates: Pressure is mounting in Congress to address Social Security’s long-term funding.
- State-level SSI changes: With SOAR’s end, some states may revise their application assistance programs.
- COLA announcements for 2026: Adjustments may further affect SSDI-SSI overlaps.
Steps to Take If You’re Applying or Receiving Benefits
- Review both SSDI and SSI eligibility carefully before applying.
- Report all income and resource changes promptly to avoid overpayments.
- Use SSA’s official online tools for benefit estimations and reporting.
- Keep documentation of all correspondence with SSA.
- Check your state’s SSI supplement rules — they vary widely.
- Seek professional guidance if your situation is complex (e.g., pensions, multiple income streams, health coverage concerns).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I receive Social Security retirement and SSDI at the same time?
No. Once you reach full retirement age, SSDI automatically converts to Social Security retirement benefits. You cannot collect both.
2. Does SSDI disqualify me from SSI?
Not necessarily. If your SSDI payment is below the SSI federal maximum and you meet income/resource limits, you may qualify for both through a supplemental payment.
3. How much can I earn before losing disability benefits?
For SSDI, stay below the SGA limit (about $1,530/month for non-blind recipients in 2025). For SSI, benefits reduce gradually based on income. Both programs have different reporting rules.
The Bottom Line
The question “can you get both Social Security and disability” has never been more relevant than in 2025. With payment changes, eligibility debates, and benefit increases all converging, it’s crucial to understand how these programs work together.
If you’re applying for or currently receiving benefits, take time to understand the rules — and watch for upcoming policy shifts. The better informed you are, the more confidently you can navigate the system and maximize what you’re entitled to.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For guidance specific to your situation, contact the Social Security Administration or a qualified benefits advisor.