Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program administered by the Social Security Administration that aims to provide aid to disabled workers and their families. If you can no longer work due to a disability, or if you have a disabled child and need help applying for benefits, a dedicated lawyer may be able to help.
Unfortunately, the claims process for Marietta SSI benefits can be overwhelming and difficult to interpret, especially if you are dealing with a severe disability. Assistance from our team of experienced SSI attorneys could prove to be valuable when working toward filing a successful claim.
Eligibility for Benefits in Marietta
There are multiple ways to be eligible for coverage under SSI. For instance, if a claimant has a mental or physical medical condition that prevents them from being gainfully employed, they may be eligible to receive aid. Qualifying conditions must last at least 12 months or be likely fatal. In Marietta, SSI benefits are also available for married couples with restricted financial assets and little regular income. If SSI is granted, recipients are automatically qualified for Medicaid in addition to financial support.
However, the amount of financial support granted can change from year to year. For example, in 2018 the maximum annual payment was $750 per month. Anyone considering applying for SSI may benefit from speaking with a knowledgeable attorney who could assess eligibility for SSI and suggest actions to take in order to successfully file a claim.
Are Children Eligible for Aid Through SSI?
SSI can also pay benefits to children with certain disabilities. For the purposes of SSI benefits, there are two primary ways to demonstrate that a child is disabled: by showing that the child’s condition meets the requirements of a disability that Social Security lists in its “blue book” of medical impairments, or by showing that the child’s condition “functionally equals” one of these listings.
Essentially, a child not officially labeled with a blue book condition could still have its characteristic traits and therefore still be eligible for SSI benefits. To establish this, the child must have “marked” impairments in two of the following areas or “extreme” impairment in one:
- Acquiring and using information
- Attending to and completing tasks
- Interacting and relating to others
- Moving around and manipulating objects
- Self-care
- Health and physical well-being
However, even if a child is eligible as the result of a disability, the applicant must take further steps to receive aid from SSI. In addition to meeting the disability requirements, the child and their guardian(s) must also meet SSI’s standard financial requirements addressed above.
Applying for Benefits
Claimants in Marietta can begin an initial application for SSI benefits in person at their local Social Security office or apply online on the Social Security website. This initial application usually involves providing medical records and other information, along with being interviewed. Once these steps are completed, it usually takes three or four months to receive a determination, though it can sometimes take up to a year.
Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration generally approves a low number of applications, meaning many valid claims are denied during their first review. Fortunately, denied claimants can appeal this decision through several stages of review. A dedicated attorney could help a hopeful applicant through each step of the SSI process, from the initial application to any necessary appeals.
How an Attorney Could Help One Collect Marietta SSI Benefits
If you have questions about your eligibility for SSI or if your application for benefits was denied, you may want to seek legal counsel. A tenacious attorney who understands the process for Marietta SSI benefits could be an important ally as you seek the disability benefits you and your family need. Call today to learn more.
