Can you collect both Social Security and disability?

Asked by: Ole Zulauf V  |  Last update: February 21, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (56 votes)

Many individuals are eligible for benefits under both the SSDI and SSI programs at the same time. We use the term “concurrent” when individuals are eligible for benefits under both programs. Below we describe how a return to work may affect a person's concurrent benefits.

What happens to my Social Security if I go on disability?

Social Security benefits for you and your family may be reduced if you also are eligible for workers' compensation (including payments through the black lung program). These benefits may also be reduced if you are eligible for disability benefits from certain federal, state, or local government programs.

Can you claim disability and Social Security at the same time?

Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to collect SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. This is known as receiving “concurrent” benefits. When you are ready, you can apply for both benefits together. After you apply, the Social Security Administration will tell you if you qualify for one or both programs.

At what age do you switch from social security disability to regular Social Security?

For anyone receiving SSDI payments, their monthly disability benefit automatically switches to Social Security retirement upon reaching full retirement age. Again, this is age 66 or 67 for most people. When this switch takes place, the monthly payment amount stays the same.

How much do you get for SSI and SSDI at the same time?

If you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, the combined maximum payment you can receive is $943 per month in 2024. Your total monthly payment does not equal the maximum amounts for SSDI and SSI together.

Can You Receive SSDI & SSI Checks at the Same Time? Explained

25 related questions found

Can you claim disability once you're already claiming Social Security?

Yes, someone receiving retirement can apply for SSDI benefits if they elected to take early retirement and are receiving a reduced amount. If they retired at full retirement age then their SSDI benefit would be the same and there is no need to apply.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

What pays more, Social Security or disability?

If you're comparing these two types of Social Security benefits, then you should know that typically the SSDI benefits pay more. In fact, disability in this scenario is, on average, more than double the benefits you would receive from SSI benefits. However, every individual situation may have varying results.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

What are the disadvantages of Social Security disability?

What Are Some Negatives of Getting Social Security Disability?
  • Limited Income. One of the primary disadvantages of Social Security disability is the limited income it provides. ...
  • Waiting Period. ...
  • Eligibility Requirements. ...
  • Limited Work Opportunities. ...
  • Stigma and Social Isolation. ...
  • Seeking Help and Support.

What is the maximum monthly benefit for Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – The maximum payment is $3,822 a month (up from $3,627 in 2023). The maximum family benefit for SSDI is about 85% to 150% of the disabled worker's benefit. The maximum payment at full retirement age is $3,822 monthly.

What happens when I turn 65 if I am on disability?

Social Security Disability can stay active for as long as you're disabled. If you receive benefits until age 65, your SSDI benefits will stop, and your retirement benefits will begin. In other words, your SSDI benefits change to Social Security retirement benefits. Sometimes, SSDI benefits will stop before age 65.

Can you get both disability and Social Security?

Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries become full retirement age. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits on one earnings record at the same time.

What to say and not to say at a disability doctor?

Do not tell the doctor you are “okay,” “fine,” or “pretty good” when you are there for an assessment of your condition. Even saying this out of habit could jeopardize your claim. Be honest about your complaints, symptoms, and other details of your condition.

Why do most people get denied for disability?

The most common nonmedical reason for denying a claim is insufficient number of recent work credits.

What gives 100% disability?

What Is a 100% Disability Rating? A 100 percent disability rating, or total disability rating, is the highest rating VA can assign for service-connected compensation purposes. VA reserves this rating for veterans with extremely debilitating service-connected conditions.

What is the easiest condition to get disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

What does 100% Social Security disability pay?

In 2024, the maximum SSDI benefit is $3,822 per month. Most veterans receive less than this amount, however. The average SSDI benefit for veterans under 62 is $1,512 per month. Your specific benefit depends on how much you've paid into Social Security over your working years.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security disability?

The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security disability?

The termination of benefits in the Social Security disability program is based predominantly on four factors: conversion to the retirement program (that is, attainment of full retirement age), death, medical recovery, and work recovery.