Qualifying for SSI Disability Benefits
Filing for disability claims under the SSI program is not something that you should take lightly. There are various forms and documents involved in the legal process. As such, if you are planning to apply for social security benefits, be it social security disability insurance (SSDI benefits) or supplemental security income (SSI benefits), it is advisable to get legal advice from someone knowledgeable with relevant social security law. Get in touch with a trusted Monroe social security attorney who can explain the actual process of qualifying and applying for benefits under SSI.
This article is divided into three parts. These are:
- The Basics of Claiming SSI Disability Benefits
- SSI Disability Criteria and Eligibility
- Contacting a Reliable Monroe Social Security Attorney
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The Basics of Claiming SSI Disability Benefits
If you are trying to qualify for social security benefits, it is essential to know why a good number of disabled people prefer SSI. For one, receiving benefits through the SSDI disability program is arguably more ideal for high-income earners since it accounts for previous monthly income. In contrast, disabled individuals with a relatively low income would likely receive more given the ‘fixed’ SSI disability benefit. Additionally, people with disabilities who qualify for SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which some prefer over what Medicare healthcare coverage can provide.
With certain benefits, however, are corresponding factors that you must take into consideration. Although individuals filing for disability claims under the SSI program are not required to have a certain work record, you must meet certain financial need requirements.
For a claimant to be eligible for SSI payments, they must be ‘financially needy,’ as shown through the need-based income criteria set by the administration. In general, in claiming disability payments under this program, a cap for the total amount that an individual or a married couple can have, both in cash and in bank accounts, must be met.
If you have any clarifications on the nature of SSI payments or other disability programs, consult with a seasoned Monroe social security attorney.
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SSI Disability Criteria and Eligibility
In any disability program, a disabled person may receive certain benefits only if there is sufficient proof and documentation that they are or have become disabled. The requirements for eligibility, however, may differ in some instances. Some medical conditions are more likely to lead to an approval of benefits than others, and these can be seen in the ‘blue book’ or impairment listing manual of the SSA. In this list are several physical and mental impairments that will automatically qualify a person who is disabled for SSI disability payments, provided that their condition meets the specified criteria for a listing.
The listing manual includes the following:
- hematological disorders, such as hemolytic anemias and disorders of bone marrow failure
- kidney disease and genitourinary problems
- cancer
- liver disease and digestive tract problems
- dermatitis and other skin disorders
- various syndromes, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome
- HIV/AIDS, lupus, and other immune system disorders
- mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, autism, or intellectual disorder
- multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders
- asthma and other respiratory illnesses
- senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss
- heart failure, coronary artery disease, and other
- cardiovascular conditions
- back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems
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Contacting a Reliable Monroe Social Security Attorney
The actual disability application process and submitting relevant paperwork to your local Social Security Office can be challenging in many ways. Both SSDI disability payments and SSI disability benefits are under the Social Security Administration (SSA), but they differ in many ways. This is where an experienced Monroe disability lawyer can provide legal assistance.
To clarify, it is not imperative for disability claimants to have impairments in the listing manual before being awarded disability benefits. Migraine headaches, for instance, are not listed in the blue book, but disability claims may be approved if the migraines make it impossible for the disabled individual to work a full-time job. A crucial aspect here is having a medically determinable impairment that reduces a person’s ability to return to work (or become unable to work). In this example, the migraines are severe enough and are well documented.
Filing for social security disability benefits is not easy, but it is more likely to go smoothly if you have the right people working with you. If you or any of your family members have a disability or recently became disabled, give us a call and consult with our reliable Monroe social security disability attorneys at E Orum Young. Contact our Monroe disability law firm and seek legal help for your application for social security benefits.
