What is SSI?
(SSI) is a government-run disability program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the program. Also, it reserves monthly benefits for those with limited incomes and little in assets. It is a U S taxpayer expense that provides financial help to children and adults who need it. Benefits are reserved for individuals who are 65 or older. Similarly, if you are blind or disabled, you can qualify for SSI as well. There are several factors that determine your eligibility for SSI benefits, which will be covered later. There is a process to apply for SSI, which we will walk you through step-by-step.
How to Apply for supplemental security income (SSI)
There are several different ways to apply for supplemental security income (SSI). You can handle everything yourself. On the other hand, you can submit your application in person. Additionally, you can seek the help of a licensed attorney to help with your application.
Apply for SSI Online
To apply for these benefits, you have several options. First of all, the most convenient choice is to apply for SSI using the online application. Simply visit the official website to apply: https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/apply.html. In order to do apply for socials security income (SSI), you must meet certain requirements.
Apply over the phone
Otherwise, you can apply over the phone. You will be speaking with someone from the SS. They can ask you questions and walk you through the process. Surprisingly, if you are deaf or hard of hearing, the SSA can accept telecommunications relay services assisted phone calls. You may contact SSA gov at tty 1-800-325-0778. Their friendly staff is there to help you through the SSI application process.
Apply in Person
Either way, you can schedule an appointment. As a result, you can apply for benefits over the phone or in-person. Similarly, apply in person to interview at a local Social Security field office. You can apply at the local social security office without an appointment. However, you may want to plan for a longer wait time. Before doing any of this, it is a good idea to speak with a disability attorney from the Disability Advantage Group. The application process is complex. It is easy to make small errors or omissions that result in a denial of benefits. This can even be the case when you should have received approval from the SSA. We can make sure your application is thorough, complete, and compelling. Call us at 865-566-0800 for a free consultation.
How Do I Know If I Can Apply Online?
Requirements for your online application:
First, you need to meet SSI eligibility requirements from the SSA. To qualify for social security benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- It is a must to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You reside in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- You are either 65 years or older, partially or fully blind, or have a medical disability that prevents you from working.
- Most importantly, your income is below the SSI’s limit for the area you live in.
- You have less than $2,000 in assets—if single—or $3,000 in assets—if a married couple.
Note that you may exclude certain types of income and certain assets when you report your finances to the SSA. We can help you determine if you meet the financial qualifications to draw benefits.
If you want to apply online, you must also meet these additional requirements:
- An individual must be among disabled adults between the ages of 18 and 65.
- They are not married and have never married in the past.
- You cannot be blind.
- An individual must be a first-time applicant who has never previously received SSI.
- You are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time as SSI.
What If I Am Not Eligible to Apply Online?
If you do not meet the requirements to apply online, the SSA offers two additional options to submit your application. Additionally, if you prefer the convenience of applying from home you can do so via phone by calling the SSA toll-free at tty 1-800-325-0778.
You can apply in person by scheduling an appointment at a local Social Security office. There, a field representative will conduct an interview with you. We recommend you bring an attorney to your appointment. They will make sure you receive all of the disability benefits for which you qualify. Additionally, they will make sure that you have all of the required documents to make the process go smoothly. For example, they will have you organize your medical records into a file to reinforce your case.
Important information about applying for SSI
- Anyone has the right to apply for SSI.
- There is no charge for applying.
- Utilizing the services of a social security attorney may increase your success rate when applying. This is because they know common mistakes to avoid. Additionally, they know what most people leave out in the application process.
- The more information you provide, as well as the more accurate it is, the more likely you are to be approved for benefits.
- Approval for supplemental security income (SSI) is not guaranteed.
- If you hire an attorney to help you file for SSI, they charge a fee.
- Usually, they provide the work upfront. Then, they get paid when your application is accepted. To clarify, you may still incur fees from the lawyer who represents you. However, that depends on your initial agreement. On the other hand, social security lawyers are limited in the amount they can charge you to help you apply for SSI benefits.
How Can I Schedule a Free Consultation With a Disability Attorney?
Before you begin the SSI application process, speak with a social security disability attorney to make sure you have everything you need to apply. The legal team at the Disability Advantage Group offers free consultations to evaluate your claim and offer advice. When you make an appointment, you will discover mistakes to avoid for best results when applying for SSI benefits. Call us at 865-566-0800 to set up your appointment. Our experienced staff of disability attorneys is here to help you.