The United States has two main programs for people with disabilities, both managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Although they use the same medical definition of disability, the requirements, amounts and payment dates are very different.
With the 3.6% COLA confirmed for 2027, both programs will pay more starting in January, but not on the same day.
Differences in requirements
- SSDI | requires having worked and paid Social Security taxes. Generally 40 work credits, 20 of them in the last 10 years.
- SSI | does not require work history. It requires limited income and resources: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
We detailed the conditions of each one in our guides on SSDI requirements and SSI requirements in 2027.
Differences in amounts
- SSDI in 2027 | average of $1,701 a month. Depends on the worker’s earnings history.
- SSI in 2027 | maximum of $1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple. Reduced by other income.
Differences in payment dates
- SSDI | on the second, third or fourth Wednesday, according to the birthday, or on the 3rd for those who started before May 1997.
- SSI | on the 1st of each month, or the previous business day.
This is why SSI recipients will see the COLA on December 31, while most SSDI beneficiaries will see it on January 13, 20 or 27.
Health coverage
SSDI gives access to Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSI, in most states, gives immediate access to Medicaid.
Receiving both
A person with a low SSDI benefit can also receive SSI to complete their income. In that case, they receive SSI on the 1st and SSDI on the 3rd, as we explained in our article on beneficiaries paid on the 3rd. The SSI amount is reduced by the SSDI check minus a $20 exclusion. All the 2027 dates are in our January 2027 calendar.
