How do I know if I have SSI or SSDI and If I invest some of my SSI payments in stocks; will I have to pay it back to the Social Security Administration?

Hi. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs based benefit that's administered by Social Security. However, the SSI program is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, a person must be either blind, disabled, or at least age 65, and they must have little or no other income or assets.

On the other hand, Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits are NOT needs based. SSDI benefit are paid to people who are disabled and who paid Social Security taxes long enough to gain insured status. The amount of a person's SSDI benefit varies depending on their earnings history on which they paid Social Security taxes.

Profits from investing in the stock market have no effect on SSDI benefits, but they could affect a person's SSI payment rate or eligibility. If you don't know whether or not you're receiving SSI or SSDI, you should be able to find out by calling Social Security. Or, if you have a 'my Social Security' account, you should be able to find out by accessing your account on the Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Best, Jerry