Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know
Iowa Disability Benefits Network
1-866-968-7842

Overview of Benefits

Which is Which: How to Identify Your Benefit

3 Magic Questions:

  • When do you usually receive your check?
    • 1st of the month - SSI
    • 3rd or a certain Wednesday - SSDI
  • How much is your check?
    • $783 or less - SSI
    • More than $783 - SSDI
  • How many checks do you receive?
    • 1 - SSI or SSDI
    • 2 - Concurrent SSI and SSDI

SSI vs. SSDI

SSI

SSDI

Paid on the 1st

Paid on the 3rd (usually)

Amount maximum is $783 single or $1,175  couple (2020)

Benefit amount depends on previous earnings

Medicaid

Medicare

Check is reduced depending on income

Check is "all or nothing" depending on earned income

Check is impacted by most income

Check is impacted only by wages

Resource limit is $2,000 single/$3,000 couple

Has no resource limit

Income is counted when it is received

Income is counted when it is earned