Can you collect state disability and social security at the same time

Suffering a disability and being unable to work can be quite disconcerting. Since Social Security disability payments are rarely enough to live on, it’s essential for you to apply for all the other benefits to which you may be entitled. You might be wondering if you can collect California disability payments and Social Security at the same time.

What You Need to Know

It’s possible to qualify for California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) while you are also receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, getting SDI benefits could cause your SSI or SSDI benefits to either decrease or stop altogether due to your income eligibility. It’s imperative that you understand both of these benefits and how they can impact each other. For example, you may want to choose one over another or use one for a period of time and then switch to the other one.

How Much Does SDI Pay in California?

If you are eligible for California’s SDI, you will typically receive your benefits every other week. The amount you qualify to receive will depend on how much you earned during the base period. Depending on how much money you make, SDI pays between 60 to 70 percent of the wages you earned over your highest-paid calendar quarter of the base period. However, if you receive any employment earnings while you are on SDI, that amount will be subtracted from your benefits.

How are SSI Payments Determined?

Each Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient’s benefit amount is a set rate. Each person receiving SSI benefits gets the same base amount. These amounts are determined each year based on the average wage index and cost-of-living adjustments.

For SSDI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your payment based on your lifetime average earnings before you were disabled. Your SSDI benefit amount is calculated by using your covered earnings— your earnings at jobs where your employer took money out of your check for Social Security or FICA.

Your SSDI monthly benefit is calculated by your average covered earnings over a period of time, which is your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The SSA applies these figures in a formula to identify your primary insurance amount (PIA) or the basic amount used to establish your benefit. Generally, SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month.

How SDI Impacts SSI or SSDI

Since SDI is another form of income, it counts against your SSA benefits as income. The amount of SDI you receive will be used to help calculate how much, if any, SSA benefits you qualify for. In addition, any SDI you receive will likely decrease your other benefit amounts.

our earnings and calculations for these benefits are important but also confusing. In order to make ends meet, it’s essential to maximize your benefits in any way possible. Don’t get bogged down in the confusion or anxiety about your eligibility or how much you might be eligible to receive. Instead, turn to an OC social security disability attorney who can help you maximize your benefits.

Can you collect state disability and social security at the same time
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability benefits, you may also be able to receive certain state disability benefits.

You can collect Social Security Disability and state disability at the same time, but you might see a reduction in benefits. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), if you and your family receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, your benefits might be reduced if you also receive disability benefits from state government programs.

You are required to inform SSA officials if you:

  • Apply for state or other disability benefits
  • Receive other disability benefits
  • Receive a lump-sum settlement
  • Stop receiving state or other benefits

SSD and state disability systems can be difficult to understand. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand what benefits you might be entitled to receive and help you navigate the complexities involved in receiving simultaneous benefits. Your lawyer can also help you apply for each benefits program you qualify for or appeal an SSA decision if you were denied SSD benefits.

You Can Apply for These State Assistance Programs

If you become disabled and your disability is expected to last a year or longer or result in death, you may apply for disability benefits. The purpose of these benefits is to help you support yourself when you cannot keep working. If you qualify to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you might also be eligible for assistance from your state.

The SSA provides information on applying for benefits like:

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as “food stamps”)
  • Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
  • State or local assistance based on need

When a temporary or permanent disability prevents you from working to support yourself and your family, any form of financial assistance may be worth pursuing. We are committed to helping ease your financial burden and helping you pursue financial benefits you might be entitled to collect.

Understanding Your Social Security Disability Benefits

When you are unable to work, you may apply for SSD benefits. You can apply for two SSD programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program offers monthly financial benefits. However, these two programs differ, in that:

  • SSDI is intended to provide monthly financial support to patients with a qualifying work history
  • SSI is intended to provide benefits to patients who are elderly, blind, or disabled with insufficient income and resources

SSDI benefits are based on the amount of income you earned that contributed to the Social Security system, while SSI benefits are based on need.

In some cases, disability recipients are entitled to benefits through both disability programs. These are called concurrent benefits. Your Social Security Disability lawyer can help you determine your eligibility for benefits and help you navigate the complex application process.

Learn More About How Your Monthly Payments Are Calculated

If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, the amount of monthly compensation you receive will depend on the type of disability program you qualify for and on whether you receive concurrent benefits. Other benefits you receive, like workers’ compensation, may also affect your monthly benefit amount.

If you also qualify for and receive benefits from programs in your state, they could potentially affect your Social Security Disability payment amounts. Your state might also offer you a state supplement if you receive SSI benefits. You might not receive these benefits if you receive SSDI benefits. Your lawyer can help you check with your state to determine your eligibility and the amount of state supplement payments you qualify for.

You Do Not Have to Navigate the Social Security System on Your Own

Understanding and navigating the Social Security Disability benefits system on your own can be complicated. We understand how overwhelming the benefits process can be, from knowing which forms to fill out to gathering evidence. Our team wants to help you through this complex process. If you choose to work with us, we can:

  • Review your disability case at no cost to you
  • Help you understand your rights and responsibilities
  • Make sure you understand and meet SSA’s disability benefits requirements
  • Help you complete and file SSA application forms

If you are denied disability benefits, we may also help you through every step of the appeals process. We work hard so you can focus on recovering from your disability while we take care of everything else.

We Can Help You Apply or Appeal to Receive Benefits You Qualify For

Some people can collect Social Security Disability and state disability at the same time. If you are interested in pursuing disability benefits on both the national and state level, our team is ready to help you explore your options. Contact the client intake team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers.

Can you collect state disability and Social Security retirement at the same time?

In most cases, you cannot collect Social Security retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time. You may, however, qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you meet the strict financial criteria while drawing either Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits.

Can I get both Social Security and disability benefits?

Many individuals are eligible for benefits under both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs at the same time. We use the term “concurrent” when individuals are eligible for benefits under both programs.

How does state disability affect Social Security benefits?

Disability payments from private sources, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, don't affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Workers' compensation and other public disability benefits, however, may reduce your SSDI benefits.

What is the difference between Social Security disability and state disability?

The major difference is that SSI determination is based on age/disability and limited income and resources, whereas SSDI determination is based on disability and work credits. In addition, in most states, an SSI recipient will automatically qualify for health care coverage through Medicaid.