SSI Eligibility in Fulton County

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefits program for which any legal resident of the United States may make an application, although not everyone is eligible. Unlike other Social Security programs, an applicant does not need a substantial work history to qualify for SSI benefits.

Instead, the Social Security Administration would examine your medical conditions and how they might affect your present and future ability to work. Applicants must have next to no assets as well as no additional income in order to collect SSI.

Our team of skilled lawyers could help you understand SSI eligibility in Fulton County. This includes working to make sure that you understand the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and helping you determine whether you meet their strict requirements.

What Does it Mean to be Disabled?

The general concept of disability means that a person cannot function as would be expected if they were totally healthy. While this guideline may certainly apply to many of life’s situations, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a slightly different definition to describe a disability.

According to the SSA, a disability is a mental or physical condition which could result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for 12 months or more, and which prevents a person from participating in any substantial gainful activity. Any chronic condition that impairs a person’s ability to perform a full-time job may therefore qualify as a disabling condition.

Many of these conditions are listed as disabling per se in Social Security law. However, there are some ailments that require closer inspection. A skilled lawyer can help claimants understand the medical requirements for SSI eligibility in Fulton County.

SSI Benefits Eligibility

Fortunately, there is no past work requirement to receive SSI benefits. While a lack of work history may demonstrate that a person’s conditions are severe and life-altering, it has little effect on SSI eligibility in Fulton County.

To determine an individual’s eligibility, though, the SSA must also examine an applicant’s financial situation, as SSI is intended to provide income to applicants with no other sources of money and little to no sellable assets. As a result, it is expected that applicants would have long ago sold off any extra assets to help make ends meet.

For example, single people filing an application must have no more than $2,000 in non-exempt assets. This number rises to $3,000 for married people. While a person may keep their home and car, other assets such as bank accounts must be essentially empty.

Likewise, a married applicant whose spouse earns money elsewhere would receive reduced benefits by the amount of income their spouse brings in. A knowledgeable attorney can help individuals understand these qualifications and legal nuances.

Call to Learn How an Attorney Could Help with Fulton County SSI Eligibility

If you suffer from a debilitating condition that has lasted at least one year and affects your ability to work, you may qualify to seek SSI benefits. However, the Social Security Administration seeks to ensure that only people who meet their strict requirements receive SSI benefits. An attorney can help you examine these requirements in greater depth, so contact our team today to learn more about SSI eligibility in Fulton County.