Yes you can, but everything has to line up correctly.
First, you will only receive both benefits when your Social Security Disability Insurance is less than your Supplemental Security Income. Learn the difference between each here.
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, will pay $721.00 per month currently. If you are entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and your SSDI monthly benefit is more than $721.00, then you do not receive SSI because you have too much income. But, if your SSDI is less than $721.00, then you will receive your SSDI, and the SSI will "supplement" that benefit up to the $721.00.
What are the advantages? Well, if you are eligible for SSI, you will receive Medicaid right away. But, if you are also eligible for SSDI, you will eventually be eligible for Medicare. (Medicare does not kick in until 24 months after you have been eligible for SSDI benefits). However, more doctors accept Medicaid, so you have that advantage, eventually.
If you are in the middle of an application for Social Security Disability, and have questions, call us at 503-325-8600. We help people seeking benefits every day.
