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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Questions

Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Here you will find some frequently asked questions about Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you need more information on SSI benefits, contact an experienced Supplemental Security Income benefits attorney.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly funding to low-income residents ages 65 and over and those who are blind or disabled. Funded by general tax revenues instead of Social Security taxes, SSI provides assistance to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.

What is the difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?

A common misconception is that these benefits are the same; they are not. SSDI provides disability pay and requires that you work for at least a year prior the date your disability occurred. With SSDI, your disability must be expected to last for at least a year. With SSI, you are not required to ever have worked in order to receive these funds. Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration; however SSI comes from the U.S. Treasury general fund, while SSDI comes from Social Security taxes.

How do I qualify for SSI funds?

You may qualify for SSI money if you have little or no income and your assets are under $2,000 if you are single or under $3,000 if you are married. Some assets are not counted, such as your home and vehicle. You must also prove that you are not able to work a job for which you are suited because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year, or is deemed terminal. A qualified Social Security benefits lawyer can review your medical condition and your assets, and tell you whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements.

Do disabled children qualify for SSI?

Your child may be eligible for assistance if he or she is under age 18, meets the definition of disability and whose income and resources are within the specified requirements. To meet the definition of “disabled” under SSI, your child must have a “medically determinable impairment that causes severe functional limitations.” This impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous year or is expected to result in death. Your child may not be working or able to work at a job that is considered “substantial” work.

Should I seek the assistance of an attorney to file a claim for SSI?

While are not required to have an attorney to represent when filing for SSI, it is a good idea. Without a lawyer, you will have to deal directly with the:

Administrative Law Judge
Vocational Specialist
Social Security Administration

An experienced SSI attorney can help ensure that you have a fair hearing and can help you obtain the benefits to which you are entitled. Also, more than half of these claims are denied initially. If your claim was rejected, a lawyer can help you through the appeal process so that your claim is ultimately successful.

If you live in Anderson, Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina, and are applying for SSI or if your SSI claim has been denied, please contact the Dick James Law Firm to discuss your options and schedule your complimentary consultation.

800-714-6029
The Dick James Law Firm
611 N. Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601