Which is Which: How to Identify Your Benefit
3 Key Questions:
- When do you usually receive your check?
- 1st of the month - SSI
- 3rd or a certain Wednesday - SSDI
- How much is your check?
- $783 or less - SSI
- More than $783 - SSDI
- How many checks do you receive?
- 1 - SSI or SSDI
- 2 - Concurrent SSI and SSDI
SSI vs. SSDI
| SSI | SSDI |
|---|---|
| Paid on the 1st | Paid on the 3rd (usually) |
| Amount maximum is $783 single or $1,175 couple (2020) | Benefit amount depends on previous earnings |
| Medicaid | Medicare |
| Check is reduced depending on income | Check is "all or nothing" depending on earned income |
| Check is impacted by most income | Check is impacted only by wages |
| Resource limit is $2,000 single/$3,000 couple | Has no resource limit |
| Income is counted when it is received | Income is counted when it is earned |