Supplemental Security Income Lawyers

Let Our Disability Lawyers Answer Your Questions About Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Many people with disabilities look to government programs for financial support, including Supplemental Security Income. However, qualifying and filing for these benefits can be both confusing and complicated due to income and asset thresholds, along with having to meet other specific requirements. What can you do if you’re facing these challenges?

Disability Lawyer Sam Earley and his team of legal professionals are here to help. Learn more about what Supplemental Security Income is, what the qualifications are, and what you can do to maximize your benefits.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to help individuals who are in need of financial support. This includes adults and children who are blind or disabled and have little or no income sources.

Along with these candidates are non-disabled people aged 65 and older who meet certain financial qualifications such as limited income (wages, pensions, etc.) and limited assets or resources.

What is the Difference Between Supplemental Security Income and Social Security?

Since Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security (SS) are both handled by the Social Security Administration and have similar names and acronyms, many people confuse the two. Along with these similarities, many who qualify for Supplemental Security Income may also be entitled to Social Security benefits. In fact, when you file for Supplemental Security Income, you are also automatically applying for Social Security benefits.

But even though Social Security and SSI share many similarities, they are also significantly different. Here are some fundamental ways Social Security and Supplemental Security Income differ:

SSI benefits are not based on prior work history or any taxes that have been previously paid by an applicant but rather are based on their present condition, age, and financial circumstances. This contrasts with Social Security benefits, which are “earned” from paying into the program with FICA taxes or self-employment taxes. After attaining a certain age or other qualifying marks, applicants and certain members of their family are eligible for Social Security payments.
Many states provide medical assistance (Medicaid) that covers hospital care, physician care, prescription medications, and some other health needs to recipients of Supplemental Security Income. However, these benefits are not automatically available to Social Security recipients.
Certain states also provide a supplemental payment to recipients of Supplemental Security Income benefits that meet certain qualifications. Again, these payments are not provided automatically to Social Security recipients.
Additionally, many states provide food assistance for certain recipients of Supplemental Security Income. An application for Supplemental Security Income in one of these states will automatically cause the applicant to apply for food assistance as well.

This, too, is not automatically included with Social Security.

“I would recommend anyone looking for a lawyer for social security to hire Mr. Earley! He was very informative and we won my case! Everyone in his office is extremely nice and very helpful. You can definitely tell that they know what they are doing and they go above and beyond to make sure you’re taken care of. Thank you so much for your help!”

Katie H.

“I highly recommend this office. They are highly professional and help me win my case! They work as a fast and efficient team and I am very happy with the work they put in. Attorney Samuel Earley is very professional, down to earth, and is a straight shooter. That is what I liked the most. Definitely recommend his office!”

Pamela C.

“Sam is a highly skilled and conscientious attorney who will put in the time and effort it takes to analyze voluminous medical records and apply them to a deep knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s regulations to win his hearings and disability appeals.”

Anne

“We called the day before a holiday about a disability case for my father. Sam was gracious enough to delay his trip with his family to meet with us the same day. He and his staff communicated well with us along the way.”

Nicole

“Sam makes navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability issues very easy. He makes you relax and be secure in the fact that he has everything under control. Anyone needing any assistance with these issues, I highly recommend using his services.”

Michael

“Sometimes you wish you could know what the inside word is in the industry about a lawyer. Well in Sam’s case the word is that he is excellent. Don’t waste a lot of time. You found the right guy. Give him a call.”

David

How Do I Qualify for Supplemental Security Income?

As mentioned above, there are many benefits that come with the Supplemental Security Income program. In order to prevent people from abusing this program, applicants must meet these minimum requirements:

You must be a United States citizen with proof of citizenship, a naturalized citizen, or a qualified alien.
You must reside in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
You cannot be absent from the United States for a full calendar month or 30 or more consecutive days.
You must be at least age 65, blind or disabled.
You must have income and assets below the established threshold levels.

Determining whether or not you exceed the threshold levels for Supplemental Security Income is an involved process with many factors. Not all your assets can be counted, and some guidance from our experienced Supplemental Security Income attorneys is usually necessary to determine your eligibility. There are also stipulations that apply to spouses and handicapped children.

What Might Complicate Supplemental Security Income Approval?

As is often the case with government programs that administer benefits, determining if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income can be a complex process that depends on several factors.

For example, not all your income counts for SSI. The same also applies for resources, as many do not count when an applicant’s SSI application is being considered.

Along with having your circumstances, income, and resources meet requirements for SSI, spouses and handicapped children also have specific stipulations that apply to their eligibility. These are just some of the reasons that guidance from our experienced Supplemental Security Income attorneys is often necessary to determine your eligibility.

Maximize Your Benefits With a Qualified SSI Lawyer

While Supplemental Security Income payments can help assist you with basic needs and expenses, you may also qualify for other programs if you meet the requirements for SSI.

That’s why teaming up with our Supplemental Security Income Attorneys is the best way to maximize your benefits. They can help you correctly calculate the factors and see if filing for SSI is in your best interests, along with answering your questions about Supplemental Security Income eligibility and other available government programs.

An Experienced Supplemental Security Income Attorney

Having an experienced Supplemental Security Income attorney like Sam Earley on your side will help you navigate the complex and confusing government explanations and paperwork required to determine your SSI eligibility. Their guidance and understanding will also help you maximize the chances of your application’s approval.

Contact Our Supplemental Security Income Lawyers Today

If you need help meeting the requirements to qualify for SSI or want to maximize the benefits available, call our attorneys at 770-881-7171 or complete our online contact form for a free personal consultation.