Understanding Supplemental Security Income

By Burt Owens


You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income particularly if you find yourself impaired and unable to perform work that is expected lf you. The Social Security Administration is responsible for issuing the benefits once an individual is approved. There is a big difference between SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance. The former relates to those individuals who have made little contributions to the agency due to not working while the latter is for those who make big amounts to the agency.

If you are eligible to get these funds, then you will be able to pay your bills and live comfortably having peace of mind. You may also be eligible for Medicaid which will pay most of the expenses associated with seeing providers.

You must list all of your income and assets when you submit your application for SSI benefits. This includes any pensions, benefits, real estate, stocks or bonds you may own. If you're married, a portion of your spouse's income and assets is also taken into account when calculating your eligibility for the program.

When applying for SSI benefits, your impairment must last for more than a year or result in death. You must also be unable to work for the last five months if you want to qualify.

The Social Security Administration's List of Impairments is the main criteria for deciding whether your infirmity is serious enough to prevent you from maintaining gainful employment permanently disabling. It lists everything from heart and circulatory disorders to muscular disorders. If your medical condition isn't on this list, your infirmity will be reviewed to determine if it is of equal severity. If drug addiction or alcoholism is contributing to your disability, your claim for SSI may be disqualified.

Filing your claim for SSI requires gathering a large amount of documentation, including proof of income, a listing of any assets you may own, your work history, and a complete medical history documenting your disability. You need to make the case that your condition is serious enough to last at least one year, or is expected to result in death. Once your application is submitted, it's reviewed by the State Disability Determination Services (SSDS) in your area.

Be prepared for a lengthy wait after your application has been filed. Because of a large backlog of claims, it can take anywhere from ninety days to a year to review your claim. Sometimes you'll need to submit additional information, or see a third party doctor to get additional diagnostic information. You'll receive written notice either accepting your claim for benefits or denying it. If your claim for SSI is denied, you may ask for an appeal. It can take anywhere from ninety days to over a year to complete the appeal process.

If your claim for SSI is approved, you'll receive a monthly check to supplement your income. If you have dependent children, they may also be able to receive benefit payments from Social Security. You and your dependent children may also qualify for Medicaid, a federal program which covers medical expenses.




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