Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income Attorneys Who Know How to Pursue Full Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits differ from Social Security Disability benefits in numerous ways. SSI benefits are for low-income New Yorkers or those who have limited resources, including people who have worked only briefly and who are not eligible for SSD benefits. SSI eligibility also applies to self-employed New Yorkers, business owners and homemakers. In certain cases, disabled children of parents who are struggling are also eligible for SSI benefits. But even those who seem to qualify for SSI can find the application process complex and intimidating. Our experienced SSI attorneys can help.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income is a disability benefit managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unlike Social Security Disability, SSI is funded directly by the United States Treasury, not by Social Security funds from payroll taxes. That means SSI is available to people who haven’t paid into the Social Security system.
Who is eligible for SSI?
SSI is a means-tested program for people with little or no income and assets. There are three basic requirements to be eligible for SSI:
· Little or no income: Your monthly income from work must be below a certain threshold. Disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions also count toward the SSI threshold.
· Little or no resources: Your assets, including money in bank accounts, vehicles, and other things you own, must be worth no more than $2,000 (for an individual) or $3,000 (for a couple).
· Have a covered disability, or be over 65: For adults under age 65, you must have a qualifying medical condition that is expected to affect your ability to work for a year or more, or will result in death. (This is the same test used for Social Security Disability.) Children can also qualify for SSI if they have a disability that severely limits their daily activities.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you also need to prove that you are a “qualified alien” based on your immigration status.
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
The main difference between SSI and SSDI is eligibility. SSDI is for people who have a qualifying disability and a qualifying work history, typically meaning you’ve worked at least five of the last 10 years in jobs covered by Social Security. SSI is for people who have a qualifying disability and limited income and assets, regardless of their work history. It’s possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
How much can you get from SSI?
Currently, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. This amount may be lower if you have non-SSI income, or if you live with a spouse who has an income, depending on the situation.
How much can you earn and still be on SSI? How many hours can you work?
Eligibility for SSI is based on your income, not your hours worked. Currently, you can earn no more than $1,971 from work each month and still be eligible for SSI.
How to apply for SSI
You can apply for SSI benefits through the Social Security Administration. To apply, you’ll need to verify that you have a qualifying medical condition, as well as provide information about your income and assets. Leaving out any details or making any factual errors can jeopardize your claim, so it’s important to be thorough. Our experienced SSI attorneys can handle the application process on your behalf.
Find Out If You Are Eligible for SSI Benefits-Call Experienced SSI/SSD Attorneys Today
SSI payments can provide cash to disabled people having a hard time paying for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Countless New Yorkers are unable to pay rent or keep up with living expenses. You too may be struggling financially-perhaps you’ve gone through your savings since having to stop work. To qualify for SSI benefits, you will need to meet SSI income guidelines and be either blind or disabled.
Make a Fresh Start-Let a Relentless SSI Disability Lawyer Go After the Benefits You Deserve
Whether you’ve already tried to apply for SSI benefits or need to appeal a denied SSI claim, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP will help you get results. Call us today at (800) 692-3717 or contact us online for a free evaluation. There is hope-call now so we can help. You pay us nothing unless you win. We help struggling New Yorkers from the Bronx to Brooklyn and Suffolk County to Staten Island.