Seek Legal Counsel to Produce Accurate SSI Applications for Adults and Children
When you are filling out an SSI application, you must understand who may be eligible for SSI. SSI benefits are for people that are disabled with little to no income or resources, the blind, people 65 or older with little to no income or resources, and children who are disabled. People who fit into those categories can fully benefit from Supplemental Security Income, which differs from Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. SSI has strict income and resource limits. To qualify, an SSI applicant must only have one home that they live in, one car, and less than $2,000 in resources. If an SSI applicant has any outside support such as food or shelter, or any income at all, then the benefit amount may be reduced. The maximum SSI payment amount is $721 in 2014. Where underage children are concerned, a household income will dictate whether a child is eligible for SSI benefits or not. If a family has too many assets with a fairly large income, then a child may not be eligible for SSI. It is vital to contact a Durham SSD lawyer that has an extensive amount of experience when filing an SSI application in North Carolina.
Financial Requirements and Medical Decisions For SSI
An SSI application is reviewed both medically and financially. An SSI claimant must prove that they are unable to work for a year or longer due to their health, which satisfies the medical requirements. An SSI claimant must also provide documentation showing their income and resources. This can include bank account statements, property records, financial documents, separation agreements, etc. If an SSI applicant is found disabled and has little to no income, then they generally qualify for benefits. The benefit amount could be offset or eliminated if the applicant has any income or resources. Qualified SSI disability attorneys are going to be able to explain the process and can give you a good idea about whether you may be eligible both medically and financially for SSI.
Professional Attorneys Help Clients Throughout the SSI Disability Process
The financial requirements for SSI can be confusing. It is a very good idea to have financial documentation supporting your SSI claim. Social Security requests documentation regarding all your finances for SSI applications. In some situations, cases are denied if claimants refuse to provide sufficient financial documentation. Skilled attorneys will recommend that clients keep as much documentation as possible to support their case.
Financial Need and Medical Eligibility Must Be Proven
When an SSI applicant meets the financial requirements concerning an SSI claim, then the Social Security Administration evaluates the applicant’s medical condition. In cases for adults, the SSI claimant must prove that they are unable to work for a year or longer due to their health. This can be proven by several arguments, but the most common arguments are that:
- Based on the claimant’s age, education, and work experience, the Medical-Vocational Rules direct a finding of disabled
- The claimant’s medical condition(s) meets or equals the criteria for one of SSA’s listing of impairments, or
- The claimant is unable to perform any work on a regular or continuous basis due to a combination of their impairments.
Medical eligibility standards per the Social Security Administration differ for children. While the legal standard for adults is work-based, the standard for disability for a child is based on their functioning. The major questions are whether a child’s school records and medical records meet or equal the criteria for one of SSA’s medical listing of impairments, or they have extreme limitations in one area of functioning or that they have marked limitations in two areas of functioning. An experienced disability attorney can help SSI claimants understand the complex SSI application and appeals process.
