Frequently Asked Questions!

What is SSI? 
Supplemental Security Income

What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI? 
SSI is based on your disability whereas SSDI is based on your work credits or the work credits of your parents.

How much can you earn in 2025 if you have SSDI?
You have a Trial Work Period. During the Trial Work Period, you can work and earn as much money as you would like without your SSDI being affected. In 2025, any month that you earn more than $1,160, you will use a Trial Work Period month. After the Trial Work Period is completed you will have to earn under Substantial Gainful Activity. 

 

How much can you earn if you have SSI?

While there is no specific amount to this answer, if you earn $2019 a month or more in 2025, your SSI will be $0. This is called the Break Even Point. This is calculated by multiplying the Federal Benefits Rate by 2 and adding $65 for the Earned Income Exclusion and $20 for the General Income Exclusion. The Federal Benefits Rate of SSI in 2025 is $967. This is the maximum amount of SSI anyone can receive.
$967 x 2= $1935

$1935 + $65 + $20= $2019

 

How is my SSI payment calculated each month if I only have earned income?

The first $85 of income is not counted and the remaining is divided in half. That amount is then subtracted from the SSI payment you receive when not working. So, for example, if you normally receive $967 in SSI and $1085 in income. Your SSI payment would be $467.

$1085 - $85 = $1000

$1000/2= $500.

$967 - $500= $467 (your adjusted SSI Payment)

 

How much can I earn and maintain my Medicaid Waiver? 
Your monthly income cannot exceed 3 times the Maximum Federal Benefits Rate of SSI. The maximum SSI benefit that one can receive in 2025 is $967. Your monthly income cannot exceed $2,901. ($967 x 3 = $2,901)


****Please note that all of this information shared here is general information. For more in depth information, regarding your specific situation, you must contact your local Social Security office. Your local Social Security office can be found by clicking this link here. 

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