San Diego SSD Lawyers
Social Security Disability Benefits : SSI Benefits
Filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Can be a Long and Drawn-Out Process, but the San Diego Lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group Will Focus on Getting You the Benefits You Need and Deserve.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, funded by general tax revenues, that provides those who have little to no income, and who are blind, elderly, or disabled to receive monthly benefit payments from the Social Security Administration to cover basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.
What makes you eligible for SSI?
- Your household income meets the SSI income limits. Your household income and value of your assets (not including your house and car) is less than $2,000 if you are single or $3,000 if you are married.
- You are unable to work for 12 consecutive months or more at a level of substantial gainful activity and cannot earn more than $1,000 a month.
- You have a physical or mental impairment that can be shown through medical evidence.
- You are unable to do ANY sort of work, not just your own past work, on a full-time basis. (There are limited exceptions to this rule, depending on your age, education, and transferable skills.)
You can also use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website to find out if you are eligible.
NOTE: SSI is also available to children with medical conditions that the SSA consider disabilities. To determine the monthly payments, the bureau looks at the parents' income.
How Do I Apply For Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
To apply for SSI benefits, contact your local Social Security Office and state that you wish to file an application. There are three ways that you can do this:
- File for disability online,
- Call the Social Security office to set up an appointment to apply
- Walk into the Social Security office without an appointment
You should apply for SSI AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you wait too long, you may lose your benefits. Also, the SSA does not pay for periods earlier than your application effective date. The process of filing can take several months.
How Much Will I Receive?
The amount of your SSI benefit depends on the amount of your household income and on which state you live in. Though, the basic SSI payment is the same nationwide. If your household income rises, your SSI entitlement will decrease.
Effective January 2009 through 2010, the basic SSI payment for an eligible individual was $674 per month and $1,011 per month for an eligible couple.
Fortunately, the state of California adds money to the basic SSI payment. Your monthly payment will include the federal SSI payment and the supplement from California.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Denied My Claim. Can I appeal?
YES. The SSA denies approximately 75% of claims every year. Many applicants simply give up after making their initial claim. DON'T GIVE UP. With an experienced social security attorney by your side, you may still be able to get your claim approved.
Find an Experienced Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Lawyer
Filing an SSI claim can be a confusing and lengthy process. In addition, there is a high probability that the claim will be denied. Fortunately, the experienced Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group can make this process go quickly and smoothly. Our attorneys will work hard to get you the benefits you need and deserve. Call us at 888-233-5020 to schedule your free consultation.
Blog for Social Security Disability Benefits
- SSI vs. SSDI: Seeking Disability Benefits in San Diego
- September 10th, 2011 - Medical Professionals and the Definition of Disability in San Diego
- September 9th, 2011 - SSI vs. SSDI: Documents Needed to Apply for Benefits in San Diego
- September 6th, 2011 - Steps to Obtain Disability Benefits with Social Security in San Diego
- September 4th, 2011 - What Is the Social Security Hearing Procedure Like?
- August 17th, 2011
