If you need financial assistance because a disability, blindness, or age prevents you from supporting yourself, the Federal government has a program available to help you. Known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), this needs-based program is available to almost everyone with a demonstrated need, unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which requires people to pay into the program in order to be eligible.
It can be challenging to determine whether you qualify for SSI. Our Michigan SSI eligibility lawyers could evaluate your circumstances and advise on whether you qualify for SSI. Additionally, they can evaluate your eligibility for other relief programs, such as SSDI.
Disabilities that Make Someone Eligible for SSI
While SSI is based on financial need, it is not enough for someone to have few assets and little income. They also have to demonstrate that something is keeping them from being able to support themselves.
The SSA presumes that people 65 and older may be unable to support themselves. They extend the same coverage to people who are blind, regardless of their age or their actual work history. However, people with other disabilities must prove both the existence of a disability and that the disability prevents them from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
The SSA looks at 14 different types of conditions that could support a disability claim:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive disorders
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders
These broad groups each contain definitions, guidelines, and how the SSA will evaluate an injury or illness to determine whether it interferes with the applicant’s ability to engage in SGA.
Our Michigan SSI eligibility attorneys could help claimants understand each of these categories and determine whether their disability will be sufficient to qualify them for SSI coverage. In addition, they could help applicants collect the evidence they need to support their claims.
Qualifying for SSI Requires Financial Need
In addition to a qualifying disability, SSI applicants have to prove that they have a financial need. The assets test includes most assets other than a home and a vehicle, and individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in assets. Additionally, there are income limits. Individuals cannot earn more than $1,971 from work each month.
While the financial need requirement seems more straightforward than the disability requirement, it can be challenging for some applicants to understand them. Our Michigan lawyers can help applicants explore the financial requirements for SSI eligibility.
Talk to Our Michigan Attorneys About SSI Eligibility
Being unable to work because of old age, blindness, or a disability can leave you in a financially vulnerable position. However, SSI provides a small monthly payment that can help you stay afloat. It also opens the door to other forms of financial aid, such as Medicaid, Section 8 housing, and food assistance.
While these programs can be life-saving for people, they can also be challenging to access. Our Michigan SSI eligibility lawyers could help people assess their eligibility and pursue the claims. Call Thurswell Law today to discuss your options with our attorneys.
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