When your health takes an unexpected turn and working is no longer an option, the financial stress can be just as unbearable as the medical challenges.
For many Tennesseans, disability benefits from the Social Security Administration offer a lifeline. Unfortunately, knowing which program will work best for you can be confusing and frustrating.
You may have heard of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These two programs are mentioned together, but they serve very different purposes. Plus, they have different eligibility rules, income limits, and application processes.
Here is what you need to know about the differences between SSDI and SSI. With this information, Tennesseans can make confident decisions about their future.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. However, due to a disability, they cannot earn a living. Every paycheck that you have earned has taxes taken out. Those taxes fund the SSDI program.
You will need to meet a few qualifications. First, your medical condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. In short, it must keep you from performing substantial work and is expected to last at least a year or lead to death.
Second, you must have earned enough “work credits.” These are based on how long and how recently you have worked. Most people need around 10 years of work. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer years.
The monthly amount you receive depends on your lifetime earnings, not your current income or financial situation. Once approved, you can become eligible for Medicare. However, this only happens after a two-year waiting period when you start receiving benefits.
What Is SSI?
SSI is a completely different type of program. This one focuses on based on need. If you have not worked much or at all, but you are struggling with a disability or are over the age of 65 and facing serious financial hardship, SSI might be the right fit.
Unlike SSDI, you do not need a work history to apply. However, you need limited income and few resources. In 2025, that means having less than $2,000 in countable assets if you’re single, or $3,000 if you’re married. But remember that any income you receive can reduce your monthly payment.
You can start receiving monthly benefits to help cover basic living expenses if approved. SSI recipients are also eligible for Medicaid right away to get medical care.
Can You Get Both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, you can receive benefits from both programs at the same time. But you may only qualify if your SSDI payment is very low and you still meet SSI’s income and resource limits. These are called “concurrent benefits.”
This is common for workers who held lower-wage jobs or did not work long enough to receive a full SSDI amount.
What to Expect During the Application Process
Unfortunately, SSA does not make the process easy. Many people are denied the first time around, even when they qualify.
SSDI comes with a mandatory five-month waiting period from the time your disability began. You can get back pay for that period and ongoing monthly benefits if approved. However, the approval process can take months or longer if you need to file an appeal.
SSI applications can move a little faster, but proving financial eligibility requires paperwork. From bank statements to rent receipts, the SSA will ask for evidence of every dollar you have or don’t have.
In Tennessee, disability claims are reviewed by the state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. They will examine your medical records, treatment history, and ability to work before making a decision.
We Are Here to Assist with Your Benefits
Both SSDI and SSI are designed to protect individuals facing serious hardship, but the path to getting your benefits can be stressful.
If you need to take the time to explore the differences between SSDI and SSI, our Social Security disability attorneys can help you move ahead with confidence.
At Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, we are ready to provide you with guidance and help you find the right program for your situation. Schedule a consultation today.
