Supplemental Security Income, also commonly referred to as SSI, is a federal income supplement program designed to help adults who have limited resources and income. These benefits are provided on a monthly basis and they can help individuals afford their basic needs that include clothing, food and shelter. It typically helps the aging, blind, and disabled. Those who are 65 and older who do not suffer from a disability but can meet the financial limits may also be eligible for SSI benefits.
Our Social Security disability attorneys near Philadelphia are here to help answer your questions and guide you throughout this process to ensure you get the assistance and financial support that you need to live a comfortable life.
Qualifying for SSI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) outlines the specific requirements that are needed in order for individuals to qualify. Adults that would like to apply for these benefits should ensure they meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Must be age 65 or older
- Must be totally or partially blind
- Must have a medical condition that keeps you from working and the medical condition must be expected to last at least one year
- You must be a United States citizen or a citizen of Northern Mariana Islands, however, if you are not a legal U.S. citizen but you are residing in the U.S. lawfully, you may still be eligible to receive benefits
If you have specific questions about whether or not you qualify for SSI benefits or you want to learn more information, our Social Security disability attorneys near Philadelphia are happy to help.
More Specifics on Vision Loss
The vision loss needs to be significant in order for individuals to receive benefits. If your vision loss doesn’t meet the SSA’s standards, there’s still a chance that you can receive benefits on a medical-vocational allowance. In order to qualify under a medical-vocational allowance, you need to show that your vision loss reduces your capacity to work to the point that there are no jobs that you can hold factoring in your age, education, and prior job experience.
Collecting Medical Evidence Proving Vision Problems
SSA requires a physical examination completed by either an opthamologist or optometrist to measure and pinpoint your central visual acuity, or how well you can see straight ahead. In the case that you do not qualify for benefits under poor visual acuity alone, you will need to get a peripheral vision test as well.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
If you believe that you qualify for SSI benefits as an adult, you may be wondering exactly how much money you will receive on a monthly basis. The Social Security Administration establishes a nationwide standard for payments. In 2020, approved applicants can receive up to $783 monthly or $1,175 for a couple. You may receive more money if your state adds additional money to this payment amount, and you may receive less if either you or someone in your family receives additional income. Our team at Leventhal, Sutton and Gornstein can help answer your questions regarding specific payment amounts so that you know what to expect.
How Our Team Can Help
We understand that filing for SSI benefits can be intimidating and stressful, especially if you are not well-versed in how the process works. For example, one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts of the SSI process is ensuring that you have the proper medical evidence to prove your case. The documentation needs to be specific and timely in order to prove that you qualify for benefits, and we are happy to work with your doctor to help increase the chances of your application being approved. We can also help you fill out the application itself.
Filing an Appeal
In the case that your application is denied, don’t panic. It’s still possible to appeal the denial and receive SSI benefits. Instead of scrapping your old application and filing a new one, it’s best to submit an appeal on your original application. Here are some common examples of why your application may have been denied the first time around:
- You already earn too much money to qualify for benefits
- You show an insufficient amount of medical proof
- You don’t follow your doctor’s suggested treatments
- The SSA is unable to get in touch with you
We can help you file your appeal to increase your chances of becoming approved.
When to Apply
The timing of when to apply for SSI benefits should be considered, too. It’s important to apply as soon as possible so that there isn’t a loss of benefits. Our team can assist you with filling out the application as the process can be tedious and time-consuming.
Why Trust Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein?
Did you know that our firm has an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell? This means that our team has the highest legal ability and ethical standards. We have been in practice for over four decades and we know what it takes to put together a successful case to improve your chances of becoming approved. If you’re interested in learning more about how our Social Security disability attorney in Philadelphia can help, please reach out for a free case evaluation. We look forward to helping you!