Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the two primary benefit programs operated by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI is tailored primarily for people with serious disabilities who need financial assistance. However, even if you meet the criteria, obtaining SSI benefits could prove more difficult than you might expect, especially if you try to go through the application process alone.
An SSI claim is typically both a legal and government matter, and in such cases, experience gets results. This makes securing the support of a Michigan SSI claims lawyer important to dramatically improve the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome. Our social security attorneys at Thurswell Law could ensure you understand and provide everything the SSA requires in your SSI application.
Who Qualifies for SSI Benefits?
You must meet three primary criteria to qualify for SSI benefits. First, you must be at least 65 years old, or you must have a serious disability that severely restricts your working capacity for at least one year or will directly cause your premature death. Second, if you are seeking benefits as an individual, you must have less than $2,000 in resources, for example, your bank account value or vehicle equity. If you are applying jointly with your spouse, your common resources must total less than $3,000.
Finally, you must have little or no monthly income as defined by the SSA, not including state-level benefits such as food stamps, government-issued housing vouchers, and special expenses needed to manage certain types of disabilities. The exact limit changes based on your marital status, whether you have dependents, and whether or not adjustments have been made at the federal or state level to account for inflation and the cost of living. These considerations make it worth discussing your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income in Michigan with one of our claims attorneys before applying for benefits.
Preparing To File an SSI Claim
You can start applying for SSI through the SSA’s website or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need extensive documentation proving that you meet the criteria mentioned above and that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, including but not limited to your:
- Your social security card or an equivalent record
- Birth certificate, or other government-issued proof of age and citizenship status
- Pay stubs, tax returns, bank details, and other documentation to establish your income and current assets
- Medical records and contact information for physicians treating your disability, if applicable
- Mortgage, lease, landlord contact information, and other documentation about your current living situation
In Michigan, our attorneys could help you gather everything you need to support your request for Supplemental Security Income and carefully guide you through the application to ensure you do not make any procedural errors or omit any pertinent information.
Contact a Michigan Attorney for Assistance With Your Supplemental Security Income Claim
SSI is a vital lifeline for millions of Americans nationwide. Because SSI is in such high demand, the SSA maintains strict regulations governing who can apply for and receive these benefits. Failure to follow these rules could lead to processing delays or a rejection of your application.
Working with our Michigan SSI claims lawyer at Thurswell Law could make a difference in how smoothly your claim proceeds and the amount of financial assistance you ultimately receive. We could help you understand your rights and determine if you have a case. Call today to schedule a consultation.
N/a
