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 disability and work credits or the work credits of your parents.

How much can you earn in 2026 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 impacted. In 2026, any month that you earn more than $1,210 you will use a Trial Work Period month. After the Trial Work Period is completed, you will have to earn less Substantial Gainful Activity each month. ($1690 for 2026)

 

How much can you earn if you have SSI?

While there is no specific amount to this answer, if you earn $2073 a month or more in 2026, 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 2026 is $994. This is the maximum amount of SSI anyone can receive.
$994 x 2= $1988

$1988 + $65 + $20= $2073

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Why do you have less than $994 in SSI?

Sometimes you might have less than $994 in SSI when not working. This amount is typically $662.67. The reason for this amount is because this is the Value of the one third reduction. This happens when someone you live with is paying for your part of your housing. Your SSI will be reduced if someone else pays for your housing due to SSI being a needs based program. 

 

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

The first $65 for the Earned Income Exclusion and $20 for the General Income Exclusion 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 $994 in SSI and $1085 in income. Your SSI payment would be $494.

$1085 - $65 -$20 = $1000

$1000/2= $500.

$994 - $500= $494 (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 2026 is $994. Your monthly income cannot exceed $2,901. ($967 x 3 = $2,982)


****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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