Question: When I first received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2009, I missed receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by two dollars. Am I eligible to receive both now?
Answer: In general the Social Security Administration (SSA) will let you know each year by letter which programs you qualify for. With such a close amount, it is possible that you could qualify for both programs, but the total funds that you receive may only change by a few dollars. For example, if you have just enough SSDI to still qualify for SSI, you would only receive an additional $20 per month. This is because the receipt of SSDI (after the first $20) reduces your eligibility for SSI dollar for dollar. So if you were to receive maximum SSI for 2015, you could receive $733. However, if you received SSDI of $752, it would reduce your SSI check dollar for dollar after the first $20, so in this scenario, you would receive SSI of $1 and SSDI of $752 for a total benefit of $753. Of course, qualifying for SSI typically provides access to Medicaid benefits, so it may pay to apply even if the cash benefit is limited.
For more on SSI, click here.
Write a comment:
You must be logged in to post a comment.
