Yes, you can absolutely receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits simultaneously. This situation is referred to as concurrent benefits. You qualify for both checks if your SSDI benefit amount—based on your past work history—is low enough that you require the financial supplement provided by the needs-based SSI program. Understanding how these two programs interact is essential for maximizing your monthly financial support.
Navigating the Two Types of Disability Benefits
Applying for disability benefits in North Carolina is often confusing and emotionally draining. You encounter many complex terms like SSI and SSDI. We want to clarify these two distinct federal programs before explaining how you can qualify for both.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
SSDI is an insurance program funded by the payroll taxes you paid while working. When you see the FICA deduction on your paycheck, you are paying into this system. If you become disabled, you are essentially filing a claim on the insurance policy you’ve invested in over your career.
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Eligibility: Requires a sufficient work history, measured in “work credits.” Generally, you must have worked five out of the last ten years prior to the date you became disabled.
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Benefit Amount: The monthly payment varies significantly, calculated based on your average lifetime earnings. There is no asset limit for SSDI.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal assistance program designed to provide financial help to disabled individuals with extremely limited income and resources. It is funded by general U.S. Treasury funds, not your payroll taxes. This program acts as a financial safety net.
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Eligibility: Requires that your income and “countable resources” (like cash and bank accounts) be below a very strict federal limit.
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Benefit Amount: The maximum federal benefit amount is set by law and is the same for most recipients across the country.
Can You Get SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?
Yes, receiving both benefits, or concurrent benefits, is a common scenario for many of our clients in the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas. This dual eligibility occurs when your calculated SSDI benefit is very low—specifically, low enough that it is below the established Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for SSI.
How Are Concurrent Benefits Calculated?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the SSI program to “top off” your low SSDI payment up to the maximum SSI level. You will not simply add the maximum SSDI benefit to the maximum SSI benefit. Instead, SSI functions as a supplemental payment to ensure you meet a minimum standard of living.
For example, let’s consider the 2026 SSI Federal Benefit Rate, which is $994 for an individual.
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The SSA first determines your SSDI payment. Let’s say your check is $600 per month.
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The SSA then considers this SSDI payment as a form of income that reduces your SSI amount.
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The SSI program will then pay you the remaining amount to bring your total up to the maximum level (e.g., $994 minus your $600 SSDI benefit, plus a $20 income exclusion).
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Ultimately, you will receive two separate checks totaling the maximum amount, but one is labeled SSDI and the other is SSI.
The Significant Advantage of Dual Eligibility
The primary benefit of concurrent eligibility extends far beyond the extra monthly income; it is access to critical health coverage. When you receive benefits from both programs, you secure two forms of medical insurance.
Securing Dual Health Coverage
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Medicare (from SSDI): This federal health insurance typically requires a 24-month waiting period after you are found eligible for SSDI. It is excellent coverage for hospital care and physician services.
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Medicaid (from SSI): In North Carolina, you are generally eligible for Medicaid immediately upon approval for SSI. Medicaid covers essential costs that Medicare often does not, such as prescription drug copayments and certain long-term care services.
Having both Medicare and Medicaid is considered comprehensive coverage and can drastically reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses while dealing with your disability.
[Read more about SSDI on our blog: “Average SSDI Monthly Benefit Amount in 2025“]
North Carolina Specifics for SSI Benefits
North Carolina does not provide an additional state supplement to the standard federal SSI benefit for individuals living independently. Many states offer a small cash supplement, but in North Carolina, the benefit for most people living in their own homes is the federal maximum.
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Special Assistance: The main exception is the State/County Special Assistance (SA) program. This benefit is specifically designed for disabled individuals who require financial aid for room and board in licensed adult care homes or certain other care settings.
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Local Offices: If you are seeking benefits in the Charlotte area (Mecklenburg County), or in the greater Winston-Salem region (Forsyth County), these applications are coordinated through your local Department of Social Services (DSS), often alongside the Social Security Administration. Our firm can help you navigate this specific local requirement.
What Steps Should I Take to Apply for Both?
The most efficient way to apply for concurrent benefits is to file a single application for Social Security benefits. The SSA will automatically assess your eligibility for both SSDI and SSI using the same application.
Key Steps to a Successful Application
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Meet the Medical Definition: First and foremost, you must meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability—your condition must prevent you from working and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
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Submit Detailed Records: Provide comprehensive medical records from all your physicians, specialists, and hospitals. This is often the most important part of the claim.
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Address the Denials: Most initial applications are denied. This is not a reason to give up. It is the moment to secure legal representation to file a timely and strong appeal. You only have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to appeal.
[Read more about applying for disability here: “Should I Apply for Disability? Key Reasons to Consider“]
How a Disability Attorney Can Maximize Your Claim
Hiring an experienced disability attorney significantly increases your chances of approval, especially when dealing with the complexities of concurrent benefits. The rules about income, resources, and countable assets are extremely nuanced, and a small error can lead to a denial for SSI.
Our Role at Collins Price
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Evidence Development: We ensure the judge and decision-makers have the strongest possible medical evidence available to support your claim for benefits.
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Financial Review: We meticulously review your financial assets and income to ensure you meet the strict SSI requirements and that your SSDI is calculated correctly to maximize your concurrent payment.
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The Hearing: We prepare you for the hearing and professionally represent your interests before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Judges in the Charlotte and Greensboro Hearing Offices see our attorneys regularly and trust our preparation.
[Read more on our blog: “Hiring a Lawyer for a Social Security Disability Appeal“]
Contact Our North Carolina Offices Today
Dealing with a disability is challenging enough without the added stress of confusing government forms and rules. At Collins Price, PLLC, we operate on a strict Zero Fee Guarantee—we are only paid if we successfully obtain your benefits. We want you focused on your health, not on legal battles.
Whether you live in Mecklenburg County and need assistance near our Charlotte office, or in Forsyth County near our Winston-Salem location, we are here to provide clear, reliable legal counsel.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your concurrent benefit eligibility. We are ready to listen with patience and provide the knowledgeable representation you deserve.
Collins Price, PLLC local offices:
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Winston-Salem: 301 N. Main St., Suite 803.
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Charlotte: 6425 Bannington Rd, Unit 8A.
Collins Price, PLLC – Your Experienced North Carolina Disability Attorneys.
