People of limited means who cannot work due to certain disabilities may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program offers monthly payments to people with little or no income and few assets. The program also covers children in some cases.
Applying for SSI benefits can be complicated, and people who try to handle their applications alone might be rejected. Work with a Reno Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lawyer to give yourself the best chance of obtaining the support you need. Our experienced disability attorneys at Shook & Stone could help you seek the fair payments you deserve.
Who Qualifies for SSI Benefits?
A person might qualify for SSI payments if they are blind, have a disability that prevents them from being self-supporting, or are over 65. Applicants also must meet strict income limits and have few assets.
Demonstrating Need
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal limit for income from work is $1,971 per month for a single person. The income limits are higher in some states, including Nevada, and income limits are higher for married couples and people with children. Anyone applying for SSI benefits can own only one vehicle and only one home, which must be their primary residence.
Note that some income does not count when the SSA considers your application. Payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs are not considered when calculating income. Neither is Section 8 housing assistance, rent rebates, or property tax refunds. Our Shook & Stone disability attorneys in Reno could review your situation and determine whether your financial status qualifies you for SSI benefits.
Qualifying Disability
The SSA reviews your disability and its impact on your life before approving SSI benefits. You can find a list of qualifying disabilities and the factors the SSA will evaluate when considering benefits for an adult here.
Children Are Sometimes Entitled to SSI Benefits
When a child has a disability that significantly impairs their functioning, they may be entitled to SSI payments. Qualifying disabilities for children are found here. The disability must affect the child for at least 12 months.
When a child lives with their parents, the parents’ income is considered when SSA evaluates the child’s application. SSA will deny benefits if the parents’ income or total assets exceed the state threshold.
Children approved for SSI benefits can receive them until they are 18, or 22 if they are enrolled in school full-time. Talk to a Reno SSI attorney if you believe your child might qualify.
The SSI Application Process
The federal SSA handles applications for SSI benefits. You could go to a local SSA office to get help filling out your application. However, waiting times can be long, even when you have an appointment, and it can be difficult for many people who qualify to get to an SSA office.
Working with a qualified SSI lawyer in Reno is the most efficient way of managing the application process. Our dedicated legal professionals at Shook & Stone can help you fill out the application and compile all the supporting documents you need.
If you have already applied and received a denial, our attorneys could help you file a request for reconsideration of your application. If the reconsideration is denied, you could request a hearing. We will fight to persuade the hearing officer that you qualify for SSI benefits and must receive them.
Contact a Reno Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorney About Benefits
It can be almost impossible to make ends meet if you cannot work due to age or disability. SSI benefits can help you afford the necessities.
The program has very specific eligibility requirements and establishing you are entitled to SSI benefits can be tedious. Contact a Reno Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lawyer at Shook & Stone for help getting the benefits you need. Your consultation is free, so call today.
