Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is a federally funded program that allows people with disabilities to receive monthly payments from the government. Those eligible have limited or no access to income and necessary resources. Supplemental Security Income also provides some qualified individuals over the age of 65 with supplemental income.
Supplemental Security Income is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in the sense that those applying for SSI do not have to have paid into the Social Security System to receive payments. Qualifying and obtaining Supplemental Security Income can be difficult in comparison. If you are seeking advice or assistance when filing an SSI claim, you can rely on our experienced Supplemental Security Income Attorneys in Alameda.
Find Out if You are Eligible for SSI
To be eligible for and receive SSI benefits, you must be at least 65 years of age, completely or partially blind, or have a medical condition that keeps you from working (this condition must be expected to lead to death or last at least one year upon diagnosis). You must also have limited income and resources available to you.
Although Supplemental Security Income is typically reserved for U.S. citizens, you may also be eligible to receive SSI benefits if you are a U.S. national, or fall into one of several categories of immigrants.
Applying for SSI
Applying for Supplemental Security Benefits requires the completion of several steps. After submitting your application, the Social Security Administration will determine, based on documentation and information you provide, whether or not you are eligible for SSI benefits. They will consider your current income, any benefits you may be receiving, and assets.
Applying for SSI Due to Disability
According to the Social Security Administration, to qualify for Supplemental Security Income due to a disability, said disability must be a medically verified mental or physical condition which prevents someone from participating in substantial gainful activities (SGA). It must be expected that this disability will last at least a year. Disabilities are often based on the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book also lists necessary symptoms and impairments caused by a variety of conditions which help to qualify a person for disability benefits.
Not all disabling conditions will be listed in the Blue Book, but this does not mean a person cannot apply for Supplemental Security Income because of their disability. Whether a person suffers from a single disability or many, applying for SSI is often done without qualifying for an existing listing in the Blue Book.
However, in order to qualify, an applicant is required to prove their condition exists and is disabling enough to impact quality of life, and their ability to participate in SGA. They must provide medical evidence such as lab reports, treatment reports and results, a history of doctor appointments, etc.
Find an SSI Attorney in Alameda
Filing for Supplemental Security Income can be difficult when you are unfamiliar with the process, legal system, and the important but taxing steps that must be taken to ensure you receive the financial assistance you need. If your application for SSI has been denied, the appeals process can be intimidating. At Ortega Disability Group, our SSI attorneys in Alameda, California can help you through the process from start to finish no matter what potential problems you may be facing.
