What Benefits Do I Get?

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI)

Social Security has two different disability benefits with very similar names: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They both send monthly payments to help people with disabilities.

This table shows key differences that might help you figure out which you get.

Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSDI is for people who used to work

SSI is for people who have low income and low resources

SSDI amount is based on work history

SSI amount is based on income and living situation

SSDI beneficiaries get Medicare two years after SSDI starts

SSI beneficiaries get AHCCCS

SSDI payments are usually deposited on a Wednesday. Which Wednesday depends on your birth date.

SSI payments are usually deposited on the first day of the month.

Note: Adults who have a disability that began before they turned 22 may get other benefits from Social Security called Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB). Learn about CDB in DB101's SSDI article.

You should request a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) and open a my Social Security account to get more information about your benefits.

Benefits Planning Query (BPQY)

A BPQY is a detailed report about the disability benefits you get from the Social Security Administration (SSA). A BPQY includes information about your SSDI and SSI benefits, your work history, your earnings history, and Medicare. It may also say if you qualify for AHCCCS based on SSI eligibility.

To request your BPQY, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). It will take between two weeks and two months for you to get your BPQY in the mail.

When you get the BPQY, check it carefully to make sure it is accurate. If you need to make corrections, contact your local Social Security office.

You must request the BPQY for yourself, or provide two separate signed consent forms asking for the release of the BPQY to a third party, like a representative payee, family member, or friend. The Benefits Planning Query Handbook has sample consent forms and text. If you plan to have the BPQY released to a third party, you should use the sample text when filling out the forms.

A BPQY is free when a beneficiary, a representative payee, or another person who represents or counsels the beneficiary makes the request for program purposes.

My Social Security Online

A my Social Security account can also help you see if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Try registering for an account. Depending on your situation, it may be easy, or it may be hard because of security restrictions. You may need to visit a local Social Security office to complete registration, and it can take a while for you to get your confirmation code, which is sent by mail.

Medicare

You can get Medicare enrollment information by setting up an online account at mymedicare.gov. This can help you verify if you have Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and the Low Income Subsidy (“Extra Help”).

You can also try calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.