A Guide to SSI Disability
As an SSI disability attorney, I have made this condensed guide to aid social security eligible beneficiaries obtain positive results in their respective claims under the program. Thus, the SSI disability guide.
The SSI Disability Basics
Supplemental Security Income or (SSI) is based on financial need. It can be applied for at the same time you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
The program is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSI benefits are paid from the United States Treasury general funds (meaning, funded by general tax revenues) and not from social security taxes.
SSI is primarily designed to help people who are blind, disabled, or aged 65 and older, who has limited income and resources, to receive cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Qualification requirements
To qualify for this social security benefit, there are several requirements needed to be exhibited. Most of the requirements are the same with SSDI. The main difference is that one can only have a certain amount of income and assets in order to qualify for SSI.
1. The first requirement is that one must have paid into the Social Security Administration for an ample period and in large enough amounts.
2. Second, one must not be gainfully employed. One must have low income and resources of less than $2,000.00 in cash or cash equivalent resources. To determine financial eligibility, the SSA may consider other household income and resources (such as from your spouse), not just your own.
3. Third, one must be under a disability that is expected to last or has lasted for 12 months. Note however, that children aged 18 and below are required to prove a higher level of disability than adults do.
4. Fourth, one must have a disability that is severe enough to keep one from doing their past Job, or any other jobs in the local or national economy.
All About Application of Benefits
The Social Security Administration has no stringent rules in reference to time limit in applying for SSI benefits. However, it is always wise not to wait any longer, for as the familiar saying in the social security goes, “the longer you wait, the more benefits you may lose”. Added to this fact, that since one insured status usually ends five years from the last date that one has worked. Thus, if one would wait longer than five years to apply for benefits, it can become extremely difficult or illusory to obtain benefits.
A sure fact however relates that the road to benefits is a long and tedious one. This is aside from the glaring fact of denied application right at its inception. Thus, it is always wise for an applicant to contact a social security attorney before making an application for benefits so that one can readily prepare the relevant application, with sure results.
The Process
Cases of denial of application are a familiar event in the Social Security Administration. Almost everyone that applies for SSI or even SSDI and other social security benefits are denied at this first instance. This is considerably due to several factors and varied reasons. However, a common thing from all these, was due to lack of proper guidance of a Social Security Attorney.
As early as the application stage, employment of a Social Security lawyer is fundamental, especially when it involves your much-deserved benefits.
However, when one is denied at the first application, it is high time to contact an attorney to make the necessary request for reconsideration within a limited period of 60 days from the date of the denial letter. Otherwise, failure to comply will likely result in starting the whole process again and will most likely end up with losing the benefits.
Last Words
Follow this guide for a sure benefit claim.
Our experienced Los Angeles social security lawyers can help you with supplemental security income (SSI) issues and other benefits. You can avail of our services by logging on to our website.
About the Author
Before becoming an online writer, Claysphere worked as a legal researcher, data analyst, and lyricist in a local band in his hometown. He has a degree in law, and worked for several law offices as a paralegal, office staff and as a researcher. He has continued to write topics relating to his learning in law.
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