Michigan SSI Application Process

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefit available to people with disabilities and people who are at least 65 years old. Someone may need to apply for SSI for a variety of reasons. Regardless of your need for SSI, it may be beneficial to hire an attorney to guide you through the application process.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers at Thurswell Law are eager to assist you at any stage of the application process. If you find the application process difficult or need assistance with an appeal, consider Thurswell Law for representation.

Qualifying for SSI

SSI is awarded to people of a certain age. SSDI, on the other hand, is awarded to people with disabilities. Both benefits require proving a lack of income or resources. One of the greatest benefits of hiring a Michigan attorney is that compiling the necessary documents to support your SSI application is much simpler than compiling this information on your own.

Satisfying Income Requirements

The income requirements for an SSI applicant are scaled according to whether the individual is single, married, or widowed and whether the applicant has children or other dependents. An SSI applicant who is single with no children must have an income that totals less than $2,000 to qualify for benefits. Potential applicants should get in touch with a Social Security Disability Lawyer to determine if they satisfy the income requirements for their particular circumstances.

For SSI benefits, income is more than funds earned from a job. Disability benefits, unemployment benefits, and pensions are also considered income. With the help of an attorney, you can accurately calculate your income to see if you qualify for SSI benefits.

What to Do If You Have Been Denied SSI Benefits

If you applied for SSI benefits in Michigan and your application was denied, you may benefit from hiring an attorney. The Social Security Administration has a four-step appeals process. The first appeal step is Reconsideration.

To have your SSI application reconsidered, you can either file for it online or submit a paper application at a local Social Security Office. In Michigan, there are Social Security offices in Detroit, Flint, Adrian, Alpena, and Ann Arbor.

You may consider hiring an attorney to evaluate your claim and supporting evidence before you submit your application for Reconsideration. This evaluation may prompt you to be more detailed in your explanation of why you need SSI benefits. Attorneys have a keen eye for crafting well-supported arguments.

The second appeal step is a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If you are denied benefits after Reconsideration, you may appeal again. At this step, you will explain to the ALJ your bases for needing SSI. You can choose to be represented by an attorney or a nonlawyer at the Hearing. The outcome of the Hearing will be communicated to you via letter.

If you are still denied benefits after the Hearing, the third appeal step is to have your ALJ Hearing reviewed by the Appeals Council. At this step, there is no hearing. The Council reviews the ALJ Hearing and decision. The Council may grant you benefits, remand your case to be retried by an ALJ, or deny your benefits.

If you are still denied benefits after the Review, the final appeal step is to sue for your SSI benefits in Federal District Court. You will need an attorney if you plan to take your claim to federal court.

Connect with a Social Security Disability Attorney About the Application Process Now

Filing for SSI can be complicated, but choosing the right attorney to guide you through the process does not have to be. Choose a lawyer from Thurswell Law to help you at any step in the Michigan SSI application process.