Basic Approach to Supplemental Security Income

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by: Mesriani
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One of the programs under the Social Security System is the Supplemental Security Income. However, this benefit is not given right away. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will do anything to defeat your claim.

SSA is oblivious to your actual pain. It will subject you to unrelenting pain by forcing you to the appeals process.

To avoid spending years just to wait for the outcome of your claim, it is but a wise decision to hire a Supplemental Security Income Disability Attorney.

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is an income supplement program of the Federal Government financed by general tax revenues. It aims to help the aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income. It also provides cash assistance to sustain their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter.

Eligibility for SSI Program

Not all are qualified under the program. Of course, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible under it. You may qualify if you are:

• over age 65, blind, or otherwise disabled and have met assets requirements,

• a US Citizen or non-citizen provided you meet requirements for non-citizens,

• monetary inadequate such that your total countable income is below Supplemental Security Income levels, and

• medically disabled according to the Social Security's definition of disability

According to the Social Security rules, an individual is medically disabled if he is unable to engage in “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that may result in death or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

In addition, said person cannot engage in any other kind of SGA taking into consideration the age, education and work experience.

How to Apply for SSI

After suffering from a disability, apply for SSI immediately. With the advent of technology, most of the application forms can be completed online, depending on the type of benefit for which you apply.

For SSI benefits, you may complete the online Adult Disability and Work History Report. You may also contact your local Social Security Office to set up an appointment to complete the SSI application form personally or over the phone.

For disability benefits for children, you may also complete the online Child Disability Report. You may also get in touch with your local Social Security Office to set up a meeting to complete the rest of the application.
Calculation of SSI Benefit

The SSI benefit would depend on your income, your living arrangements, assets or possessions and the state you live in.

In California, the benefit amount comes from two sources: the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) and State Supplement Payment (SSP). These amounts are adjusted yearly to account for cost of living changes.

As of January 2008, current maximum benefit amounts in California are:

• $870 monthly for an individual
• $1,524 monthly for a couple

Denials

Processing claims should take between 1 to 6 months if all required documents are submitted. If a claim is denied by Social Security and an appeal is filed, the claim process can take longer. At this point, the SSI application is not available online.

Do not under estimate the application process. Have someone represent you not just any attorney but SSI Disability Attorney.

For more information regarding your Supplemental Security Income claim, log on to our website and seek the expert advice of our Los Angeles attorneys.

About the Author

Jean is a content writer for the web page of one of the prestigious law firms in Los Angeles. She also worked as a legal analyst for a Florida based company and a paralegal to a credit cooperative. She hopes to publish her own book someday.

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