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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
More than 8.1 million adults and children receive monthly benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to make it possible for them to pay for food and shelter. The program pays benefits to blind or disabled adults and children and to adults who are 65 years of age and older.
Federal regulations impose strict income and resource limitations on applicants along with complicated medical requirements that must be met to prove that you are blind or disabled. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Supplemental Security Income lawyer makes all the difference by helping you navigate through the application or appeal process.
What does SSI offer?
SSI is a need-based program offering monthly payments to disabled or blind adults and children.
Sackett and Associates has a compassionate SSI lawyer with the skills and insightful knowledge of Social Security law, regulations, and procedures to assist at all stages of the process from application through the appeal process. A Sackett Law Supplemental Security Income Northern California lawyer passionately pursues your claim for SSI benefits.
What are the qualification requirements for SSI?
When you meet with an SSI lawyer for the first time, the focus is on determining whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the SSI program, including:
- You must be 65 years of age or older, or you must be blind or disabled.
- Your monthly income and resources or assets available to you cannot exceed specific limits established for the program.
- You must be a citizen of the United States or meet one of the exceptions to the citizenship requirement.
How does SSI determine financial eligibility?
SSI imposes limits on your income and resources. Income includes wages and self-employment income as well as interest and dividends earned on investments. It is important to know that not all sources of income count, so you need to review them with an SSI lawyer to ensure they are correctly applied.
You cannot have resources worth more than $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple and qualify for SSI. A resource is something you own that can be converted into cash. For example, stocks and real estate are two examples of resources that can be sold and converted into cash to use for food and shelter. However, just as with income, some resources, such as a home that you own and occupy as a primary residence, do not count in determining SSI eligibility.
Speak to an experienced SSI lawyer today
Sackett and Associates has been assisting people throughout California for more than four decades to get the disability benefits they are entitled to receive. Contact us today to talk to a disability lawyer about your claim.
Frequently Asked Question
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What is Supplemental Security Income?The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program which pays benefits to you if you meet three criteria: 1. You are disabled; you must have one or more medical conditions that meet Social Security's definition of disability. 2. You must cannot work for a year or more because of your disability. 3. You have limited financial resources and/or work history.
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What medical conditions qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?The Social Security Administration evaluates medical criteria for these disorders and impairments: 1. Musculoskeletal (e.g., major back, neck, or knee injury or illness) 2. Special Senses and Speech – For example: hearing loss and visual impairment 3. Respiratory – For example: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma 4. Cardiovascular System – For example: Congestive Heart Failure or arterial sclerosis 5. Digestive System – Chron’s Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 6. Genitourinary – For example: kidney disease or hypertensive renal vascular disease 7. Hematological – For example: chronic anemia or sickle cell disease 8. Skin – For example: chronic dermatitis or photosensitivity disorders 9. Endocrine – For example: diabetes, hyperglycemia or hormonal imbalance 10. Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems – Down’s Syndrome 11. Neurological – Epilepsy, multiple Sclerosis (MS), neuropathy or traumatic brain injury 12. Mental – major depressive disorder, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 13. Cancer - all types (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases), leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma 14. Immune Neoplastic Diseases), and Immune System
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When should I contact Sackett and Associates?Contact us when your Supplemental Security Income claim has received a Notice of Reconsideration Denial or when your case is at the hearings office. There are many advantages to having an experienced attorney who will fight for you.
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How long will it take to get a decision on my claim?Decisions are made at various levels and time frames. Decisions made at the initial levels (application and reconsideration) are estimated to take 4-6 months. Cases which proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge can take 12-18 months.
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How much money will I get paid?The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount is different for each individual and can be determined only by Social Security after your claim is approved. The amount you will receive is based on your financial situation and the eligibility requirements of the program.
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What do I do if I have been denied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?If you have been denied by Social Security, the next step is to file an appeal; which must be filed within 60 days of the date of the denial notice (with rare exceptions for late filings). Please contact our office right away so we may assist you with filing your appeal. Harvey Sackett will put his experience to work for you at all four levels of appeal: Reconsideration, Hearing, Appeals Council and Federal Court.