Ankin Law Offices LLC SSI and Social Security Disability Attorneys

Supplemental Security Income or SSI for short is a government run program that is designed to give an income to disabled people and people over 65 who have minimal amounts of resources and income at their disposal. Before anyone can receive these payments, they must meet the specific financial requirements that are in place in their particular state. This program is not attached to the funds of social security contributions. It is funded completely separate. Even those who have never worked much throughout their life will qualify for this program as long as they meet financial requirements.

The Process for Receiving SSI Payments

The process for obtaining SSI benefits is very similar to the application process for obtaining social security disability benefits. A detailed application must be filed, and you will have to go through a thorough review process before any benefit payments will be awarded. The only real difference between the two is the financial requirements that you will have to meet for SSI. The process to obtain benefits can be long and hard, which is why you will need the services of lawyers at Chicago based Ankin Law Offices, LLC. Our social security attorneys have helped numerous clients throughout the years to pursue their social security benefits claims.

The Financial Requirements for SSI

To receive any SSI benefits, you will have to be disabled according to the Administration’s definition of disability, and you will have to qualify based on your income and assets. There are no exceptions to the requirements that are in place, except for the exclusions that are already listed in the rules.

Income Guidelines and Requirements

Your income must be limited, and the amounts that you must meet will be determined by your state. Income includes SSDI benefits, child support, wages, alimony, pensions, and any other income that you receive regularly. There are some things that are excluded from the income calculations, and they are as follows:

• Food Stamps
• Subsidized Housing Payments
• Energy Assistance Payments
• The first $65.00 of your wages from employment.
• The first $20.00 of your income no matter where it comes from.

It is possible that your spouse’s income and assets could be used for the income calculations when determining your eligibility for SSI if you are married. If you are under eighteen, then your parent’s income and resources could be used to determine whether or not you qualify. Exclusions are in place for disabled and blind people, so part of their income will not apply if it is used for work related expenses.

Assets and SSI Requirements

SSI laws limit the assets you are allowed to own. You may have up to $2,000 in assets generally, but that amount is raised to $3,000 if the applicant is married and both spouses receive SSI payments. Some property is excluded when they are counting your assets, and common exclusions are as follows:

• Your principle residence and the area of land that it sits on.
• Your primary vehicle.
• Life Insurance if it is valued at more than $1,500.
• Burial plots for close family members and yourself.
• Burial funds of more than $1,500 for you or your spouse.

Contact a competent SSI lawyer today for help in filing your claim. The knowledgeable lawyers at Ankin Law Offices, LLC, have plenty of experience with financial requirements and the SSI process, so they will be able to help you succeed in getting your claim approved. We will walk you through the entire process, and we will help get everything filed correctly and in a timely manner.