I think you were being told that you have been disabled for a required 'waiting period' and are now qualified to receive SSDI benefits. Apparently you've been receiving SSI benefits and will continue to do so while receiving additional benefits from SSDI. Hope this helps:
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. However, while both of these programs offer cash benefits for individuals who are blind or have a disability, the financial eligibility requirements for each are very different.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded through payroll taxes. SSDI recipients have worked for a certain number of years and have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund. SSDI candidates must be younger than 65 and have earned a certain number of “work credits.” After receiving SSDI for two years, a person who is blind or has a disability will become automatically eligible for Medicare.
Social Security disability benefits are paid after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Disability benefits are paid beginning with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not entitled to benefits for any month during this five-month waiting period. The amount of the monthly benefit after the waiting period is based upon your earnings record, much like the Social Security retirement benefit.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that is strictly need-based, according to income and assets, and is funded by general fund taxes. To meet the SSI income requirements, you must have limited income and resources.
If you are blind or have a disability which prevents you from working, and you appear to meet all other eligibility requirements, it is possible to get SSI earlier. Sometimes on the day you apply.
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The difference between SSDI and SSI