The federal Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two programs that provide support for people with disabilities. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are available to people with disabilities that prevent them from working for at least 12 months and who worked for employers that paid into the program. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people of reduced means who are unable to work due to a disability. SSI is for individuals who meet the following qualifications:
- Limited or no income; resources may not exceed:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
- For parents applying on behalf of a child, the numbers above increase by $2,000
- Disabled or blind
- Blind or disabled children
On the other hand, Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits are designed for individuals who meet strict criteria for disability and cannot work. You can visit our qualifying for SSDI page to learn more about the criteria you will need to meet. Some SSDI recipients are also eligible to receive monthly SSI benefits.
SSI does not require any previous hours spent working for an employer covered by Social Security Disability Insurance but limits benefits to those demonstrating financial need. An SSI recipient must prove their income is under the limit. In addition to the income restrictions, an SSI recipient may own only one car and one home, which must be their primary residence. Contact a Las Vegas Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lawyer at Shook & Stone to learn if you qualify for these payments.
SSI Benefits for Children
Children with disabilities or blindness are eligible to receive SSI payments until they are 18 or until age 22 if they are full-time students. The SSA considers a child disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that significantly impairs functioning. The impairment must last for at least twelve months. Fatal conditions count as disabilities under SSI.
A child is ineligible for SSI if they live at home and their parents’ gross monthly income exceeds specified limits. The SSA does not consider all the parents’ income when determining whether a child might qualify for SSI, and it deducts income from the calculation when other children are in the home.
If you believe your child’s disability qualifies them for SSI but are concerned your income might be disqualifying, consult one of our experienced Las Vegas attorneys. They could review your situation and provide advice about obtaining SSI.
How to Apply for SSI
For the state of Nevada, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers Supplemental Security Income. You must make an appointment with your local Social Security office in order to have a representative assist you in your application. You will need to complete and submit certain documentation and speak with a Social Security claims representative in person or over the phone in order for your application to be processed and your claim accepted.
You are also allowed to have someone help you with your SSI application, which is why it is extremely beneficial to hire a seasoned Las Vegas Supplemental Security Income attorney at Shook & Stone for counsel and assistance. Our legal team understands the importance of providing sufficient evidence when applying for benefits and can assist you in compiling and obtaining the necessary information you will need to provide.
If Your Initial SSI Claim Is Denied
When an applicant files their request for SSI without help, the SSA often denies an initial claim for benefits. It might find you do not meet the income and resources threshold or your medical records documenting your disability are inadequate. You can ask the SSA to reconsider, but it often denies the claim again after reconsideration. However, you should not let this stop you from pursuing the benefits you need and deserve.
After a request for reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The hearing can be in-person, over the phone, or via video call. A hearing allows the judge to consider your evidence and arguments and ask questions about your situation instead of deciding based on paperwork alone.
If you do not agree with the judge’s decision, you can request the Appeals Council to review the evidence and decision. The Appeals Council will review the record of your case and may consider new evidence you present that could be pertinent to the decision.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Las Vegas
Shook & Stone has decades of experience handling all kinds of Social Security disability matters, including SSI applications. With our guidance, you can have the highest possible chance of a successful application.
Contact a Las Vegas Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lawyer from our firm today whether you need SSI in addition to SSD benefits or if you are simply in need of SSI. Our dedicated attorneys will work with you directly and will work tirelessly to preserve evidence and assist you in proving your eligibility. You deserve coverage, so call today for a free case review!
