Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can feel overwhelming, especially when you already receive other public benefits. Many Arkansans wonder whether getting assistance like unemployment, workers’ compensation, or SNAP will affect their eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. The answer depends on the type of benefit you’re receiving and whether it counts as income or indicates your ability to work.
At Pfeifer Law Firm, our Social Security Disability attorneys in Little Rock help clients understand how various public benefits interact with SSD and SSI. Knowing the rules in advance can prevent delays or denials and help you protect the support you rely on.
Understanding the Difference Between SSD and SSI
Before discussing how other benefits affect disability payments, it’s important to understand the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration, but they serve different groups of people:
- SSD (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have earned enough work credits through Social Security-covered employment to qualify.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. You don’t need work credits to qualify, but your income and assets must fall below certain limits.
Because the eligibility rules differ, how other benefits impact SSD versus SSI also differs. Some benefits may reduce your payments, while others may have no effect at all.
Receiving Unemployment Benefits While Applying for SSD or SSI In Little Rock, AR
Unemployment benefits are designed for people who are actively seeking work and capable of working. SSD and SSI, on the other hand, are for individuals who cannot work because of a disabling medical condition. This creates a potential conflict.
The Social Security Administration views unemployment as evidence that you are ready and able to work, which can weaken your disability claim. However, there are exceptions. Some people apply for unemployment while they are waiting for their disability claim to process because they need financial support in the meantime.
While receiving unemployment doesn’t automatically disqualify you from SSD or SSI, it may raise questions during the review of your case. If you’re unsure, it’s best to discuss your situation with a Little Rock Social Security Disability lawyer before applying for unemployment or disability benefits at the same time.
Workers’ Compensation and SSD/SSI
If you were injured on the job, you may be receiving workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can affect your SSD payments but not necessarily your eligibility.
According to the SSA’s official handbook, your total combined disability benefits (SSD plus workers’ compensation and other public disability benefits) cannot exceed 80% of your average current earnings before you became disabled. If it does, your SSD benefit will be reduced so the total stays within that limit.
SSI is different. Since it’s based on financial need, workers’ compensation is treated as income and can reduce or eliminate your SSI payments. Every dollar of workers’ compensation typically reduces your SSI by one dollar, depending on your total income and asset levels.
VA Disability Benefits and Social Security Disability
Many veterans in Arkansas receive disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA disability and SSD benefits are separate programs with different eligibility standards, and receiving one does not prevent you from receiving the other.
However, the SSA and VA use different definitions of disability. The VA may grant benefits for partial disability (such as a 50% rating), while the SSA only approves disability claims if you’re completely unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). A high VA rating, especially 70% or higher, can strengthen your SSD claim, but the SSA will still conduct its own independent review.
SSI can also be paid alongside VA disability in some cases, but it depends on your income and resources. VA benefits count as unearned income for SSI, which may reduce your monthly payment.
Can You Get SSD or SSI with SNAP, TANF, or Other Welfare Benefits?
Programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are needs-based and designed to help low-income households. These programs don’t usually affect your SSD eligibility, since SSD is not based on income. But they can affect your SSI benefits.
Because SSI is income-sensitive, any cash assistance you receive from public welfare programs may reduce your monthly SSI payment. However, benefits like SNAP are not counted as income for SSI purposes, so you can receive both SNAP and SSI without penalty.
It’s important to report all public benefits you receive to the SSA to avoid overpayments or penalties. The SSA regularly checks income and resource databases to verify continued eligibility for SSI recipients.
Public Pensions and Other Government Benefits
If you receive a pension from a government job where you did not pay Social Security taxes (such as certain public school or municipal positions), your SSD or retirement benefit may be reduced. This is known as the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
The WEP can reduce your SSD benefit if you receive a pension from “non-covered” employment. The GPO may reduce spousal or survivor benefits for individuals receiving a government pension. These rules are complex, and the impact depends on your specific situation. You can learn more about how these provisions work through the SSA’s WEP and GPO resource page.
How Public Assistance Affects SSI Eligibility
Because SSI is a needs-based program, the SSA considers almost all sources of income—including other public benefits—when determining eligibility and payment amounts. Income that can reduce your SSI payment includes:
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers’ compensation
- VA benefits
- Public pensions
- Cash assistance from state programs
Not all benefits count as income, though. For example, SNAP benefits, home energy assistance, and certain housing subsidies are excluded when calculating SSI payments. Even if you receive other public benefits, you may still qualify for SSI as long as your total countable income and assets stay below the program’s limits.
Can You Receive SSD and SSI at the Same Time?
Yes, it’s possible to qualify for both SSD and SSI at the same time. This is known as a “concurrent claim.” If your SSD benefit amount is low due to limited work history, you may also qualify for SSI to supplement your income. In these cases, the SSA coordinates the two payments to ensure you receive the correct total amount each month.
Concurrent benefits are common for individuals who have worked part-time or inconsistently over the years due to chronic illness or disability. Our attorneys at Pfeifer Law Firm can help you determine if you qualify for concurrent benefits and ensure all income sources are properly reported.
How to Protect Your Benefits
Receiving multiple forms of public assistance can be complex, and even a small reporting error can trigger an overpayment notice or reduction in benefits. Here are a few steps to protect your eligibility:
- Keep detailed records of every benefit you receive.
- Report any changes in income, medical condition, or household size to the SSA right away.
- Respond promptly to any correspondence from DDS or SSA requesting additional information.
- Consult a Social Security Disability attorney if you receive conflicting guidance or a notice of overpayment.
At Pfeifer Law Firm, we regularly help clients correct benefit errors, appeal wrongful reductions, and ensure that all sources of income are properly disclosed to avoid penalties.
When to Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney
If you’re unsure whether your public benefits will affect your SSD or SSI eligibility, it’s best to get professional advice before applying. Each case is unique, and the interaction between different benefit programs can be complicated. The experienced attorneys at Pfeifer Law Firm can review your situation and help you maximize your benefits while staying within the rules.
Our team assists individuals throughout Arkansas with disability applications, appeals, and benefit coordination. We’re here to help you navigate the process and ensure that your financial stability is protected.