The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to disabled children and adults through their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is supported by taxpayers. Filing for SSI requires some preparation, and the process can be confusing and overwhelming if undertaken alone. If you intend to apply for SSI, you may need the help of a qualified disability attorney who understands Buckhead SSI eligibility standards and can provide valuable legal counsel throughout the claims process.
SSI Income Requirements
The Social Security Administration considers several factors when determining SSI eligibility, such as the financial resources of a household. In general, the more income an applicant earns, the less likely they are to receive SSI.
However, certain types of financial resources, such as government benefits, are not considered income. Additionally, those with private health insurance may have their benefits capped.
The SSA considers four types of income when determining SSI eligibility, the first of which is earned income and accounts for earned wages and regular income. Second, unearned income consists of government benefits such as unemployment and disability payments and is not counted against a claimant’s eligibility.
Furthermore, the SSA counts deemed income as a portion of income from parents, guardians, or other caretakers, as well as in-kind income, which is steeply discounted shelter or food. It should be noted that income tax returns are not considered by the Social Security Administration when determining Buckhead SSI eligibility.
Defining a Disability
The Social Security Administration decides which disabilities qualify a person for income benefits. Those seeking SSI must meet strict eligibility requirements. For example, they may not be steadily employed or earning more than a certain amount of income each month.
Additionally, applicants must have a disabling condition which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months and have a severely limiting physical or mental (or both) condition. An applicant for SSI must provide detailed income and personal information about how the disability affects their daily activities, as well as allow the SSA to obtain medical records and any other relevant documents.
Parents or guardians seeking benefits on behalf of their disabled child must also attend an SSI interview and should take important documents such as birth certificates and proof of income. In addition to medical documents, the SSA may obtain information from school therapists, teachers, and medical professionals when determining eligibility for a minor.
The SSA may provide immediate payments while an application is being processed for a child who suffers from an acute or deadly medical condition such as HIV, total deafness or blindness, or a severe brain injury. If it is subsequently determined that a child is not disabled in the eyes of the SSA, these payments would not have to be returned.
Call an Attorney to Learn More about Buckhead SSI Eligibility
The SSI filing process can be remarkably complicated, but an experienced legal professional from our team may be able to help. Get in touch with our Social Security disability attorneys for more information about Buckhead SSI eligibility and how to prepare the information you will need to make the filing process simpler and quicker.
