3 Things To Know About Supplemental Security Income
If you are disabled, making ends meet can be difficult. Depending on your disability, working may be difficult. It can be hard to obtain or keep a full-time job. If this is the case for you, there are options. The Social Security Administration administers Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, for those who need it. These benefits are paid out monthly to those who have limited income. If you think that SSI might be an option for you, here are three things that you should know.
1. It's Not The Same As SSDI
The first thing that you should be aware of is that SSI is not the same as Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. The difference is that SSDI is available to anyone who has paid into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and who also meet the other requirements for this program. SSI, on the other hand, is available to those who have little or no work history. SSI benefits are available to those with limited incomes who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. If you have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you may qualify for SSI.
2. Your Initial Claim May Be Denied
Another thing that you should know about when it comes to SSI is that in many cases, the initial claim is denied. How many claims are denied by the Social Security Administration varies from state to state. However, in total around 65 percent of all disability claims are denied the first time around. If your initial claim is rejected, there are a few things that you can do. The first step is to request a reconsideration of the original claim. If that fails, you can request an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing followed by an Appeals Council Review if the ALJ rejects your claim. The final step in the appeals process is filing a lawsuit in a US district court.
3. You May Need Legal Help
If your SSI claim has been denied or if you are struggling to file in the first place, you may want to seek out legal help. A lawyer will ensure that the paperwork for your claim is filled out properly and that you have everything you need in place in order to qualify for SSI benefits. Most disability lawyers are paid on a contingency basis. The contingency fee for social security lawyers is typically no more than 25 percent of the past-due benefits awarded with a maximum amount of $6,000.
If you have a disability and limited income, making ends meet can be very difficult. If you are in this position, social security SSI can help you with your expenses. This program is not the same as SSDI since you don't need a work history to qualify. Many SSI applications are denied at first; however, a lawyer can help you get your claim approved.
