Is It Possible to Get Approval for Both SSI and SSDI Benefits in North Carolina? 2025

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a disabling condition. There are different benefits and requirements for each federal program. If you are seeking financial assistance due to an illness or disability, you may wonder, “Is it possible to get approval for both SSI and SSDI benefits in North Carolina?”

SSDI benefits are based on an individual’s work history. They must demonstrate that they have earned sufficient income by paying Social Security taxes. SSI is a need-based program for people who have limited assets and income.

In some cases, applicants may qualify for both benefits simultaneously. This can increase the total monthly assistance they receive. Understanding eligibility for both programs can help you secure the financial and medical support you need to pay for basic necessities and medical treatments.

Understanding SSDI and SSI Eligibility

Anyone who applies for SSDI must show that they have a severe disability that prevents them from working. They must also show they have earned enough work credits by paying into the Social Security system through past employment. The amount of benefits a worker receives is based on their lifetime earnings before becoming disabled. This means that if the worker has not worked for a long period or had low wages, their SSDI payments are low.

SSI is based on the financial needs of the applicant. The program is specifically geared toward low-earning individuals with limited assets who are blind, disabled, or over 65. SSI does not require a work history. Instead, it is based on the applicant’s income and assets. Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Can I Qualify for Both SSDI and SSI?

Qualifying for both forms of federal benefits requires your SSDI benefits to be low enough to qualify for SSI payments. This may happen if:

• Your work history is short, which results in small SSDI payments
• Your earnings were low, which affected the amount of your SSDI payments
• You do not have substantial assets

If your SSDI payments are below the federal limit to qualify for SSI payments, you may qualify for additional SSI payments. It is important to remember that any income you receive from the SSDI program is deducted from your potential SSI benefits.

Additional Considerations

Qualifying for both SSI and SSDI in North Carolina can provide important financial and medical benefits. For example, SSI recipients may qualify for Medicaid immediately. SSDI beneficiaries may receive Medicare benefits 24 months after receiving SSDI payments.

SSDI applicants may be eligible for back pay for benefits that were due in the past. In addition to these benefits, applicants should also be aware of potential challenges and setbacks they may face. Strict income and asset limits mean that SSDI payments can reduce SSI benefits. Processing delays are common since both programs have separate review systems.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision, but the process could take months or even years. You can work with an attorney to request that the SSA reconsider its decision. If the SSA denies your request for reconsideration, you can appeal to an administrative law judge during a hearing. If your appeal is denied yet again, you can still seek a review by the Social Security Appeals Council.

FAQs

What Happens if I Get Approved for Both SSI and SSDI?

If you get approved for both SSI and SSDI, you may receive benefits from both programs. SSDI payments come first. If SSDI is low, SSI may supplement it. Total benefits cannot exceed the federal SSI limit. Medicaid typically covers SSI recipients, while SSDI provides Medicare after two years. Your income and assets affect ongoing SSI eligibility.

How Long Does It Take to Get Disability Benefits After Approval?

Once approved, SSDI payments typically begin within one to two months. SSI payments often start even sooner, sometimes within weeks of approval. Back payments, covering the period since your application date or onset of disability, usually arrive separately as lump sums. The exact timing depends on processing by the Social Security Administration and your state office, but benefits generally arrive quickly following approval notices.

What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI Disability?

SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid. Benefit amounts depend on your past earnings. SSI, however, provides benefits based solely on financial needs without requiring work credits. You must meet strict income and asset limits to qualify for SSI. SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after two years, while SSI recipients usually qualify immediately for Medicaid.

Can You Be Denied for SSI but Approved for SSDI?

Yes, you can be denied for SSI and approved for SSDI. SSI has strict income and asset limits. If you exceed them, your claim may be denied. SSDI is based on work history, not financial need. If you have enough work credits and meet medical requirements, you may still qualify for SSDI even if you do not meet the financial limits for SSI eligibility.

Do Social Security Benefits Make Me Eligible for Medicare or Medicaid?

Social Security benefits alone do not automatically qualify you for Medicare or Medicaid, but certain disability programs do. SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSI recipients typically qualify for Medicaid immediately, depending on state rules. If you receive both SSDI and SSI, you may have access to Medicare and Medicaid, which can help cover medical costs, prescriptions, and essential healthcare services.

Schedule Your Social Security Disability Consultation Today

If you are ill or disabled, Social Security benefits are a critical lifeline that can help you meet your basic needs. Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, understands what you are going through. Our team has helped residents in Burke, Lincoln, and Catawba Counties receive the compensation they needed.

We can explain your options so you understand whether you are eligible for multiple forms of relief under existing federal programs. Let our legal team guide you through the process so you can pursue what you need with confidence. To start the process, contact our office today. We look forward to serving you.