Which Disability Benefit Does Social Security Prioritize First – SSI Or SSDI?

For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), keeping track of payment schedules is essential, especially when Social Security makes adjustments to usual dates. Both SSI and SSDI provide critical support for Americans with disabilities, but they differ in eligibility requirements, payment amounts, and timing. This November, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made some adjustments to payment dates, impacting both SSDI and SSI recipients.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming payments, eligibility requirements, and expected payment amounts.

Payment Schedules

SSI and SSDI payments generally follow predictable schedules:

• SSDI Payments: SSDI benefits are typically issued on a schedule based on the recipient’s birthday, with four payment dates each month:
  • Birthdays from 1–10: Paid on the second Wednesday
  • Birthdays from 11–20: Paid on the third Wednesday
  • Birthdays from 21–31: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
• SSI Payments: SSI benefits are usually paid on the first of each month.

However, when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSI payment may be moved up to the preceding business day. This November, SSI payments for December will be issued early, on November 29 instead of December 1.

Payment Dates

For SSDI recipients, November payments are scheduled as follows:

• November 13 for recipients with birthdays between the 1st and 10th
• November 20 for recipients with birthdays between the 11th and 20th
• November 27 for recipients with birthdays between the 21st and 31st

For SSI recipients, the next payment will be issued on November 29, covering December’s payment.

Eligibility

SSDI is intended for individuals with a qualifying disability who have previously worked and paid into Social Security. To qualify, recipients must meet the following criteria:

• Have a documented medical disability that prevents them from working.
• Have sufficient work credits from past employment (typically earned through payroll tax contributions).

SSI

SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for low-income individuals who are either elderly (65+), blind, or disabled. Eligibility is determined based on income and resources rather than work history, making it available even to individuals who may not have worked in traditional jobs.

Payment Amounts

SSI and SSDI payments differ significantly in terms of average and maximum monthly amounts:

• SSI Payments: These are generally lower as they are tailored to low-income individuals. For example, an “essential person” (a household member providing essential care) receives around $472, while eligible individuals may receive up to $943 per month.
• SSDI Payments: Based on the recipient’s work history, SSDI benefits are often higher, with an average monthly benefit of approximately $1,539. The maximum SSDI payment is $3,822.

COLA

While SSI and SSDI recipients are anticipating a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 2025, this will not be reflected in the November 2024 payments. The COLA adjustment will come into effect with January 2025 payments, providing recipients with a benefit increase to account for inflation.

Important Tips

1. Track Payment Dates: Check your birthdate to know your specific SSDI payment date and note the early SSI payment on November 29.
2. Prepare for the COLA Increase: Look for updated payment amounts starting January 2025, reflecting the annual COLA adjustment.
3. Double-Check Eligibility: If you receive both SSI and SSDI, confirm your eligibility for each program, as they have different qualifying criteria and may affect the total benefit amount you receive.

The SSA offers both SSI and SSDI as financial lifelines to millions of Americans with disabilities, helping them cover essential living expenses. By staying informed about payment schedules and benefit updates, recipients can make the most of their benefits and plan accordingly.

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