SSI (or Supplemental Security Income) is administered by the SSA. It offers benefits to people who are disabled, blind or elderly and living on a fixed income. SSI and Social Security are separate, because the latter is paid into throughout an adult’s working life. If a person qualifies for SSI, they may be able to receive it and Social Security at the same time.
Disabled, Blind and Elderly People are Eligible
The SSA handles all applications for SSI, and they set the guidelines as to what constitutes disability, advanced age and/or blindness. Elderly people are defined as those 65 and older, and one is considered blind if they have 20/200 vision in their stronger eye. To meet the definition of disability, a person must be physically or mentally impaired and not able to hold a job. The disability must last for at least a year, or be expected to end in death.
Low-Income People can get SSI
SSI benefits are calculated based on income; the more you earn, the less you will receive each month. If you make more than a certain amount, you will not receive benefits at all. Certain payment types are excluded from income calculations, and determining a benefit amount can be difficult. You may want to hire Social Security lawyers in Chicago to get the benefits you deserve.
SSI is for Those with Limited Resources
Your assets are a determining factor in your SSI benefit application. For the purposes of this article, “assets” are things such as vehicles, land and bank accounts. However, as mentioned above, not all assets are factored into the calculation of benefits. The more assets you have, the less you will receive each month.
Other Determining Factors
A person’s citizenship and residency status are also used to determine their eligibility for SSI. Recipients must be US citizens or resident aliens, and must live in the US or in the Northern Marianas. A recipient cannot be out of the country for more than a month consecutively, and they must allow the SSA to access their financial records.
Hiring a Social Security Attorney
The laws surrounding the SSI application process are complex, and every case has different circumstances. The information contained here is very general in nature and is not meant to replace the advice of a lawyer. For legal advice specific to your case, contact Social Security lawyers at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates Ltd in Chicago.
