Michigan Supplemental Security Income Attorney
SSI Benefits for the Disabled
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that supplies monthly cash payments to individuals who have disabilities, are blind, or are over the age of 65 and qualify as low income or having limited resources. These benefits are supposed to help disabled individuals pay for basic needs and can cover up to $783 a month in benefits. In the state of Michigan, receiving SSI benefits automatically includes Medicaid health coverage and an extra payment every three months of up to $42 from the state. At Adler Firm, PLLC, our Supplemental Security Income attorney in Michigan can help you file for benefits if you've experienced injuries that have left you disabled.
Schedule your same-day consultation with our team today so we can get started on assessing your delayed or denied claim at (888) 966-9524 or contact us online. We offer our services in English and Spanish for client convenience.
What is Supplemental Security Income?
Many people confuse SSI with SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, both of which are Social Security disability benefits programs. Some can even qualify for both programs at the same time. Where they differ, however, is that SSDI if for people who qualify after having worked or having a parent who has worked. You do not need to have worked in the past to be eligible for SSI benefits.
How Social Security Defines Disability
The SSA’s programs are specifically for individuals who have disabilities, meaning that an important step in applying for SSI benefits is to show that you meet their disability standards as an adult.
To be eligible to receive benefits as a disabled person:
- You must show medical reports that confirm you have a severe physical or mental disability
- Your disability must either be life-threatening or have lasted or expect to last for at least one year
- Your disability must prevent you from doing what is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for at least one year
Having sufficient evidence to prove your disability is one of many reasons why you need to hire a Michigan supplemental security income lawyer to help you file your application. Countless individuals who rightfully deserve SSI benefits are turned away because they failed to provide hard evidence that they meet the above requirements. Our SSI attorney has the resources and experience needed to gather evidence and strengthen your application so there is no disputing that you are disabled.
Qualifications for SSI Benefits
In order to qualify for SSI benefits, you must be able to meet all of the following requirements:
- Be blind or disabled, or be at least 65 years of age
- Have limited resources and income
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, or an alien who meets certain requirements
- Reside in one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands
It’s important to know that your marital status may impact your eligibility, as well as your monthly income from work and bank balance. Limited resources mean that you have less than $2,000 in assets for a single person and less than $3,000 for a couple. Our supplemental security income lawyer in Michigan is well-versed on SSI programs and can help you understand whether you qualify.
How Is Supplemental Security Income Calculated?
SSI payments are calculated by deducting your countable unearned income and your countable earned income from the maximum Federal Benefit Amount. The 2021 Federal Benefit Amount is as follows:
- $794 for individuals
- $1,191 for a couple
After deducting both your countable unearned and earned income from the total federal benefit amount, you will receive the remaining balance in the form of Supplemental Security Income benefits. In the state of Michigan, recipients may also receive additional money on top of their SSI benefits.
Schedule your same-day consultation with our team today so we can get started on assessing your delayed or denied claim at (888) 966-9524 or contact us online. We offer our services in English and Spanish for client convenience.
