Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens
Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens
If you live in the United States and are not a citizen, it’s still important to know which Social Security benefits you may still be eligible for. You may be eligible for noncitizen SSD benefits. This is important to know that you will be able to collect benefits if something were to happen to prevent you from working.
In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must meet all of the requirements that citizens do and two additional requirements. Both Social Security Disability Insurance as well as Supplemental Security Income programs have provisions under which aliens could qualify for disability benefits.
What to know about disability benefits as a noncitzen:
– A Social Security Number or a visa.
You need to either have a Social Security Number that was assigned either on or after January 1, 2004 that authorized you to work in the United States or a non-immigrant visa that is either D-2, B-1 or D-1.
– Proof.
You also need to be able to prove that you are present in the United States lawfully in each month that you would be paid benefits through the SSDI.
– Meet the disability requirements.
As with everyone that claims disability benefits, you also must meet the key requirements. This includes a medical condition that is expected to last a year or be terminal as well as a condition that prevents you from working.
– Medical documentation.
This is also something that is required of everyone. When claiming Social Security benefits for disability, you need to provide medical evidence of your condition as well as its severity. Noncitizen SSD benefits are the same in this way also. This evidence should be thorough and well-organized.
You may wish to consult with an attorney to help you with this step. You will need documentation of your diagnosis, any tests that you’ve had done, any medications or other treatments you’ve tried and why this medical condition prevents you from working and earning a living. Your own statement about how your condition affects you will also be helpful to your case.
As a noncitizen seeking SSD benefits, it can be hard to know which Social Security benefits you qualify for. If you have any worries about building your case and the best way to move forward, it’s best to work with an attorney. Contact us with any questions.