Searching for Assistance with Supplemental Security Income?
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. It’s often believed that you must be elderly, or that you are ineligible to receive SSI if you have never worked outside the home. Other misconceptions include the belief that SSI and SSDI are the same thing, or that even a small part-time job with totally disqualify an applicant from receiving SSI.
None of those myths are true, and unfortunately they have kept many qualified individuals from applying for and receiving the benefits that provide essential needs-based help to make ends meet.
SSI is a bit more complicated than Social Security Disability, as the limit for individual or jointly owned assets is much smaller and overall financial requirements are stringent. In addition, parental assets count when financial requirements are considered for minor children.
If you are an individual looking to apply for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, there are a few facts you should know:
- You can receive SSI at any age. Disabled children, as well as adults of any age, may qualify for SSI if they meet other needs-based requirements.
- You can receive SSI if you have worked outside the home. Individuals who qualify for SSI must have not worked enough hours to receive SSDI (links to SSD benefits page), but you may still have performed some work outside the home.
- SSI is different than Social Security Disability. Payments for SSI are funded through the United States General Treasury funds, often supplemented by monies from the state.
- You may be able to work part-time even if receiving SSI. Financial requirements for SSI are very strict. Some limited part-time work may be possible, however, even while receiving SSI.
We recommend sitting with a legal representative to go over the process of filing for SSI or appealing a denied SSI claim, so you’ll know exactly what the Social Security Administration is looking for before you start on the paperwork.
What Are the Financial Requirements for SSI Benefits?
Supplemental Security Income is designed as a last-resort benefit to help individuals who are in need of help to make ends meet. As such, the financial and legal requirements are stricter than with Social Security Disability benefits.
Financial requirements for receiving SSI include:
- No more than $2,000 in assets
- Combined assets of a married couple must not exceed $3,000
- Assets counted towards this total include cash, money in bank accounts, more than a single vehicle, any property other than your primary residence, investment assets, household furnishings, or life insurance policies
- Some illnesses or medical conditions qualify for SSI, but not all. You can see a list of some included conditions here.
If you feel that you meet these requirements and would like some legal assistance with preparing to file for SSI, we’d be happy to have one of our legal representatives meet with you at no cost. We’ll go over your current situation, walk you through the requirements and what is involved in filing for SSI, and help you prepare for the next steps in the process.
Bluestein Attorneys: Help With SSI Claims in South Carolina
At Bluestein Attorneys, our dedicated Social Security Disability team has experience working with individuals seeking SSI for themselves or on behalf of a disabled child, filing for Social Security Disability benefits, or whose Social Security Disability claims have been denied.
We’re here to help, and we’ll work to ensure that your individual rights are represented every step of the way. Reach us by phone at (803) 779-7599 or contact us online simply by filling out the form.