Guide4 min read · Updated October 12, 2026
Same agency, same definition of disability. Almost everything else is different.
| SSDI | SSI | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | People with a disability who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough | People with a disability, blindness, or age 65+, with limited income and savings |
| Work history | Needed (yours, or a parent's or spouse's) | Not needed |
| Savings limit | None | $2,000 ($3,000 couple), not counting your home, one car or up to $100,000 in an ABLE account |
| Amount (2026) | Based on your past earnings | Up to $994 ($1,491 couple), minus countable income |
| Waiting period | 5 months | None |
| Health coverage | Medicare after 24 months of SSDI | Medicaid: OHP in Oregon, Apple Health in Washington |
| If you work | Full check for 9 trial months, then none in months over $1,690 | About $1 less for every $2 you earn |
Yes. If your SSDI is under $994, SSI can fill part of the gap. SSI counts SSDI as income, so after the first $20, each dollar of SSDI lowers SSI by a dollar.
Health coverage usually outlasts the cash. Medicaid can continue under SSI's 1619(b) rule up to $47,856 a year in Oregon or $73,897 in Washington (2026). Medicare continues at least 93 months after SSDI's trial work period.
Apply through Social Security at ssa.gov/disability, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office. Decisions can take months, so apply early. If you're turned down, you can appeal.
For SNAP and health coverage, use ONE Oregon or Washington Connection.
General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; the agency has the final say on your case.