An Orange County Social Security Attorney – Supplemental Security Income Assistance
Applying for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, can be difficult for most claimants. This is not necessarily because they don’t qualify for SSI, but because many initial Social Security applicants are denied benefits due to improper filing or stringent rules and regulations that can inadvertently leave eligible applicants out in the cold.
When filing for SSI for the first time, or filing an appeal after a denial, the team at Ortega Disability Group puts your needs first by tackling every task related to inputting your application. We gather the necessary documentation and medical records, and talk to you one on one in order to fully understand your situation.
When you are filing an SSI appeal, we carefully dissect your previous application to understand where things went wrong. Our Social Security attorneys in Orange County will also stand by you during any and all administrative hearings with an administrative law judge (ALJ), and walk you through every step of the appeals process.
When to Apply for SSI
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, as well as non-disabled individuals over age 65, and disabled minors. Unlike with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicants for SSI benefits do not need to have paid into the Social Security system in order to be awarded funds.
Our SSI and Social Security Disability attorneys in Orange County, CA can help assess and strengthen your disability claim, whether you are applying for the first time or filing an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Who is Eligible for SSI?
While the processes for applying for SSDI and SSI benefits are similar, different individuals are eligible for each. Only United States residents are eligible for SSI benefits, and they must meet one of the three following requirements:
- The applicant is at least 65 years of age.
- The applicant is totally or partially blind.
- The applicant has a medical condition that prevents them from working that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
What Do You Need to Qualify for SSI?
In order to qualify for SSI benefits you must begin by submitting an application. The Social Security Administration will consider your income (including any benefits you are currently receiving) and assets to ensure you meet the need-based criteria for SSI. If you are applying because of a disability, you will need to provide medical evidence of your condition and symptoms.
Qualifying Disabilities
The Social Security Administration has a specific way of defining disability. According to the SSA, a disability is a provable mental or physical condition which prevents a person from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death in order to qualify a claimant for SSI or SSDI.
Disabilities are assessed based on the criteria found in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book includes a number of disabling conditions and their associated symptoms which can qualify a person for disability benefits. The categories, under which specific disabilities are named and detailed, include the following:
Physical Impairments:
- Musculoskeletal
- Special Senses and Speech
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Digestive
- Genitourinary
- Hematological
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological
- Cancer
- Immune System
Mental Impairments:
- Paranoid Schizophrenia & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Affective Disorders
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Autistic Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
Qualifying for a Listing
In order to qualify for a listing found in the Blue Book an applicant must provide substantial medical evidence to support their claim. This typically includes lab reports, doctor’s notes, and information regarding treatments received and the results of those treatments. In some cases, the SSA will require a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation, which assesses the applicant’s ability to keep up with the demands of a workplace.
It should be noted that claimants can qualify for benefits even if their condition is not listed in the Blue Book, or does not meet the criteria of any one listing. This is because the Blue Book does not include listings for every medical condition that could possibly qualify a person for benefits. In many cases, applicants have an unlisted condition or multiple conditions that make SGA impossible.
Applicants with an unlisted impairment, or combination of impairments, can apply for a medically equivalent listing.
Qualifying for SSI is difficult due to the many safety nets the SSA puts in place to avoid capable individuals from taking advantage of the system that so many Americans rely on. Even if you are applying for SSI under a Blue Book listing and your case seems cut and dry, there are endless opportunities for hiccups. This is why it is recommended that you work with a qualified Social Security attorney when filing for benefits.
SSI Attorneys in Orange County – Ortega Disability Group is Here to Help
The Social Security system can be complex and confusing for those who are unfamiliar with disability law. If you are planning to apply for disability benefits for the first time, or looking to appeal the SSA’s ruling on your application, the lawyers at Ortega Disability Group can help.
Our SSI law firm in Orange County has years of experience working with SSI applicants to help them get the benefits they need and deserve by representing clients at disability hearings, organizing important documentation and presenting it appropriately to the SSA, achieving favorable outcomes for appeals, and more.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and allow us to help you through every step of the SSI filing process.
