The Federal government has two programs for people with disabilities who may need financial assistance: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). People have to pay into Social Security in order to qualify for SSDI. However, SSI is for people who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. However, unlike SSDI, SSI has income and resource limitations.
Many people with genuine financial need and a qualifying disability may worry about whether they will be eligible. Our Michigan SSI benefits lawyer at Thurswell Law could help you access your eligibility, manage assets legally to keep you qualified for SSI, and streamline your application process.
SSI Eligibility
To be eligible for SSI, the claimant has to establish financial need and a qualifying condition. Being blind or aged 65 or older are both qualifying conditions. Otherwise, a person must have a disability in order to qualify.
SSI is needs-based, which means it is based on income and assets. For people applying as a married couple or as parents with children, the amounts are higher.
In addition to income limits, there are asset limits for applicants. Individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in non-excluded assets. For couples, the asset level increases to $3,000. People may have to deplete their assets before being eligible for SSI.
Not every asset counts. Generally, a single vehicle, burial plots, some life insurance policies, and some burial funds are excluded. Additionally, the home and land where a person lives are also excluded. Resources the SSA considers when determining needs include things like stocks, bonds, non-residential real estate, contents of bank accounts, and cash. Most persons’ possessions are excluded, but it could depend on the nature and value of those personal assets. Our Michigan lawyers could explain whether assets will impact SSI benefit eligibility.
What Benefits Does SSI Provide?
SSI provides people with a small monthly cash payment to help provide for basic needs. People can use SSI to pay for necessities like food, housing, and clothing. However, SSI is rarely sufficient to support a person. The maximum amount for an individual in 2025 is $967, and for a couple, it only increases to $1,450. The amount may be even less, depending on an individual’s income, living situation, and more.
However, SSI eligibility often triggers eligibility for other forms of aid. For example, SSI recipients in Michigan are automatically eligible for Medicaid. They do not have to file a separate application; the SSA automatically notifies the state Medicaid office.
SSI may be linked to eligibility for other types of resources. For example, SSI recipients may be eligible for Section 8 housing vouchers. They may also qualify for food assistance programs. Our attorneys can explain how SSI benefits and eligibility are linked to other Michigan aid sources.
Talk to Our Michigan SSI Benefits Attorneys
Financial struggles are hard enough without being forced to jump through hoops to get the help you need. While SSI can be a life-changing benefit for the people who need it, there is no way to get access to it without following the SSA’s application process. Getting help with the process can make it much less stressful. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our Michigan SSI benefits lawyers could help you with the process.
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