Supplemental Security Income Disability Benefits
Supplemental Security Income Disability Benefits
The Federal Income supplement program that is funded by general tax revenue is referred to as Supplemental Security Income — SSI. It is structured to to help those who are elderly, disabled, and blind and have little to no income. The program provides money so that these claimants can afford basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Like SSDI, SSI is run by the Social Security Administration, but the do differ.
Children that are blind or disabled may also qualify for SSI benefits, but they must meet all other qualifications. If a child is receiving SSI, the money will be granted to the child’s parent or guardian, with the assumption that the money will be used toward to child and his/her needs.
The difference between SSI and SSDI is that the specification for a disabled person to qualify for SSI is indicated with financial help. SSDI is solely based on the applicant’s time working and how much they made on an average when they did work. You must make less than $2,000 to qualify for SSI. Your car and house you reside in will not be factored into your net worth or your personal items that are in found in your home.
How much do you receive with SSI?
What you receive each month with the SSI program is determined on the “federal benefit rate.” FBR is the highest federal monthly payment. The FBR for 2017 is $735 a month for an individual and $1,103 for married couples. State money can also be added to your monthly payment, while income that you do make can be taken from the monthly payment.
You will need to show that you are disabled if you are under the age of 65 and need to qualify for SSI. You should not have any issues getting approved if you are blind. If you have more than one disability, you will need to provide results, tests, and any medical documents saying that you are disabled. You disability needs to be proven that it will be long term. You can review these rules in the handbook. Here are a few standards that you need to meet:
- Not able to perform any work that you were able to accomplish prior to your disability
- You need to be considered incapable of performing tasks in your work area
- You disability must be long-term, which means it should last at least a year.
If you are qualified to receive SSI, be sure to expect that you will have to review your disability occasionally. From then on, Social Security Administration will maintain your medical reports and determine if your disability has improved to where you can perform work skills that you weren’t able to before. If this is determined, SSA will state that you have recovered and you will be cleared and disqualified to continue getting benefits.
You can apply for SSI either online, on the phone, or going to a local Social Security office near you. You can have a lawyer during your process of approval for disability benefits. At least half of the claims are denied on the first attempt, but don’t make that your last attempt. If you are disabled and your disability is listed in the handbook and you have financial needs that need to be met, your application will be accepted.
Some things that you will need to provide during this process is your social security card, landlord information or mortgage, statements from your bank account, your birth certificate, and any proof of income that you make. The most important part is providing medical history and any documents that will determine that you are disable. Provide your doctor’s name and any other specialists that you have seen to determine that you are disabled.
Hiring a SSD lawyer
A lot of applicants find that it is easier and more helpful having one-on-one help from a Social Security Disability lawyer during their application process. They will lead you in the right direction and give you the right approach in regards to filing and receiving disability benefits. You chance of receiving benefits is greater if you hire a legal representative during this process.