The Supplemental Security Income program is designed to provide benefits to individuals with minimal income or financial resources on a monthly basis. Elderly adults and people suffering from certain disabilities can apply for SSI benefits.
Our knowledgeable Michigan SSI hearing lawyers could help you understand eligibility requirements and the application process for these benefits. Contact Thurswell Law to discuss your legal rights when applying for SSI benefits.
SSI Eligibility Requirements
The SSI program is run by the Social Security Administration. SSI benefits provide supplemental funds to cover basic life necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing.
The SSA determines eligibility for SSI benefits based on a person’s income, financial resources, and age or disability. The program does not require that an applicant have a certain work history.
Generally, single individuals are only eligible for SSI benefits provided their monthly income does not exceed $2,019. However, this limit is adjusted for factors such as whether the applicant is married or has children.
It is important to understand that income is not limited to work salary, as the SSA considers other income sources such as benefits from disability, unemployment, and pensions.
Additionally, individuals are only eligible for SSI benefits if their total financial resources remain below a certain threshold. Financial resources include assets like money held in a bank account, stock, and certain personal property.
For single persons, their financial resources cannot exceed $2,000. A couple’s total resources cannot exceed $3,000. However, these limits are raised by $2,000 if the applicant has a child.
Applicants must also be at least 65 years old or have an eligible disability to qualify for SSI benefits. When an applicant’s eligibility is challenged, it is important to contact our SSI hearing lawyers in Michigan.
How SSI Defines Disability
Only certain disabilities allow applicants under the age of 65 to qualify for SSI benefits. Generally, the SSA views a disability as a physical or mental impairment that:
- Impacts the applicant’s ability to perform substantial gainful activity or work for at least one year
- Is likely to result in death
- If the applicant is a child, significantly limits their ability to do daily activities.
The SSA views substantial gainful activity as work requiring either physical or mental activity that is generally performed or intended for profit. A wide range of medical conditions fall under the SSA’s definition of disability. Some examples of disabilities for adults include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular illnesses
- Endocrine disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Mental illnesses
- Cancer
Qualifying disabilities impacting children include medical conditions that cause low birth weight and a failure to thrive.
One common reason the SSA may reject an application for SSI benefits is that the applicant does not have a qualifying disability or failed to provide sufficient supporting documentation. Consulting with our Michigan SSI hearing attorneys could help applicants understand the necessary documentation to support their application.
Applicants Can Request an SSI Hearing
Eligible individuals can begin the SSI application process by filling out the applicable form online. Applicants will first receive a written decision, referred to as an initial determination.
Unfortunately, SSI claims are frequently denied at the initial level. However, applicants still have options after their claim is denied.
Applicants can first request reconsideration of their initial determination within 60 days of the decision. If the applicant still disagrees with the decision, they have another 60 days to request a formal hearing with an administrative law judge.
At the hearing, the applicant will have an opportunity to prevent additional evidence to support their claim for SSI benefits. The administrative law judge reviews evidence, including asking questions about the applicant’s medical condition and listening to testimony from witnesses and medical experts.
Since the hearing is a formal proceeding, consulting with a knowledgeable Michigan lawyer could help SSI applicants understand what to expect.
Consult With Our Michigan SSI Hearing Attorneys
Our firm understands that SSI benefits provide critical financial support. Without SSI benefits, you may not have the necessary financial resources to buy basic life necessities.
Understanding the eligibility requirements for SSI benefits is complicated. You should consult with our skilled Michigan SSI hearing lawyers if you are preparing to apply for these benefits. Call us today.
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