I recently wrote about the difference between Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

But, can you get both: SSI and SSDI?

Depending on your circumstances, yes. 

The maximum you can receive on SSI is based on the annual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).  For 2009, the FBR is $674.  That mean the most you can receive on SSI in $674 per month.  

Disability Insurance Benefits are based on your payroll contribution to Social Security.  The more you have paid into Social Security, the more in monthly benefits you may be entitled to.  

The only way to get both SSDI and SSI is for your SSDI benefits to be less than the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). 

If that happens, and you qualify financially for SSI, you can also get Supplemental Security Income to pay up to the Federal Benefit rate.

I realize this may sound like a bunch of legalistic gobbledygook. So, here is a quick example:

Let’s say you only qualify for $500 per month in Social Security disability insurance benefits. 

SSI may pay you an additional $174 to bring your total monthly benefits up to the Federal Benefit rate.

However, if you get $700 from SSDI, you will probably get nothing from SSI, because you already are receiving more than the $674 Federal Benefit Rate in SSDI.