Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a cash assistance program administered by Social Security for people with disabilities and the elderly. Here is what you need to know about applying for SSI, getting approved, and keeping your benefits. If you need to consult with a Grass Valley Social Security Lawyers, call Gold Country Workers Comp Center today. 530-362-7188
The first thing to understand about SSI is that this is a completely different program than Social Security Disability. SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. You will also hear it called Title 16 benefits, which refers to the legislation that provides federal tax dollars for the program. Because Federal taxes pay for SSI benefits there are strict rules regarding the income requirements for the program.
SSI does not have the work requirements to qualify like Social Security Disability. The basic requirements for SSI are that you have a disability that will prevent you from working for twelve months or longer. Your disability will be evaluated by an agency of the State you reside; if you meet the medical requirements for SSI your local Social Security office will evaluate your household income and assets to see if you qualify to get a check.
There are income and resource limits for the SSI program. A resource is any money you have in the bank, any property you own other than the home you live in, any vehicles you have over one, and any retirement or investment accounts you have. If you are an individual person receiving SSI your resources are limited to a specific amount. Couples, where husband and wife are both receiving SSI benefits, can receive additional resources. If you go over these amounts Social Security will not pay you SSI for any month you are over your limit.
To apply for SSI you need to call Social Security and schedule an appointment. Social Security will require proof of citizenship to apply for SSI; you will need to provide your birth certificate or unexpired passport at the time of your appointment. SSI has strict citizenship requirements to receive benefits. There are certain circumstances where non-citizens who have refugee status in the United States can receive SSI; however, in most cases, you do need to be a US citizen in order to qualify. To learn more about qualifying and applying for SSI in California, please call today. We are based in Nevada City California but also serve the surrounding communities – Auburn, Grass Valley, Yuba City, Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Sacramento, Marysville, and Kings Beach.
Grass Valley Social Security Lawyers
Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center will diligently work on your Disability Case in 2021 and get you the benefits you deserve. Please call us at 530-362-7188 for a free consultation.
