Do I Qualify for SSI?
People living with a disability or injury might not be able to work because their condition limits them from what they can do. Some job requirements like heavy lifting, movement, and other physicalities can make it especially challenging. Because of this, these individuals might qualify for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, which is a federal assistance program specifically designed for people with disabilities and injuries.
But how do you know if you qualify for SSI? This blog post aims to tackle your questions about eligibility.
What is SSI?
As mentioned above, SSI is a federal assistance program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, funding is generated through tax funds, and because of this, there are no work requirements since it is not financed through Social Security.
SSI provides income to those individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, those having limited resources in order to support themselves financially. Generally, SSI is for individuals who don’t have a work history or whose work history is too limited to be considered for Disability Benefits.
SSI is a needs-based program that examines financial eligibility based on two evaluations: income and resources. Income includes how much money a person makes in wages, food assistance, pension, and other programs that might include financial benefits. Resources include the value of assets, with examples being property or real estate, equity, and savings.
Am I Eligible for SSI?
So what specifically entails eligibility for SSI? Here’s a rundown of the requirements to receive these benefits.
- Must be age 65 or older, legally blind, or meet the qualifications of a permanent disability
- If you are married, your combined income and resources must be under $3,000
- If you are single, your income and resources must be under $2,000
- U.S. resident
SSI Paperwork
A lot of important materials are needed in order to apply. If you visit your local SSA office, they’ll be able to let you know all of the materials you will need to provide, but generally speaking they include:
- Birth certificate
- Social security card
- Landlord/rental information or mortgage statements
- Bank statements
- Proof of income or assets
- Medical records and information
How Do I Know if I Have a Disability?
Knowing whether or not you qualify for a disability may be something you question. One way to figure this out is to read the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book on disabilities, which includes medical listings detailing requirements. If your condition is in this book, then you will more than likely qualify; however, if your ailment is not in the book, then you will need to provide further proof of your medical condition and why you are unable to work because of it.
How Do SSI Payments Work?
Whether an individual is single or married, the payment process works the same. Individuals and families who are approved for Supplemental Security Income will receive a monthly payment that will not exceed the maximum federal benefit rate. Occasionally in some states, the benefit rate may include additional payments from the state in which the individual or family resides, which may boost the payment.
What’s the Best Way to Get SSI?
An unfortunate fact is that nearly 70% of people who apply for social security claims are rejected. Many times people are rejected for their claims because they filled out the paperwork incorrectly; one small error can reject the entire application. Because of this, it’s often crucial that you hire an attorney to represent you, as they can guide you through the process and be your best bet in securing the benefits you need.
If you’ve already been denied benefits, the good news is that you can still hire an attorney. Qualifying for SSI benefits following a rejection often includes an extensive appeals process, something that a professional will be attuned to. The best route to receiving SSI is to hire a social security lawyer or attorney who is skilled in this sophisticated area of the law. Not only will the attorney be able to help you put together the application and documents, but they may also know tips and tricks of how to get accepted into the program.
More Information
Are you ready to hire a disability lawyer? Are you hoping to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or an injury or illness? Then contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.