Being unable to work because of a disability can be physically and emotionally trying, threatening your health and your future. However, the process of claiming government benefits can be confusing and overwhelming. Bureaucracy and eligibility restrictions put applicants at an immediate disadvantage. If you or a loved one is thinking of applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or has been denied benefits, the Woodbury SSI attorneys at Silver & Silver can advise and guide you through the application or appeal process to ensure your best possible success.

The Critical Benefits of Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income was developed to provide monthly payments to older or disabled individuals with limited income and resources to help them pay for basic living needs. Recipients of these monthly payments include adults 65 and older and adults and children with a disability or blindness.

Unlike Social Security retirement benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI is a needs-based program funded by the U.S. Treasury. Applicants must qualify under SSA’s stringent eligibility guidelines for disability, income, and assets to ensure there is a financial need. And this is where many individuals get caught in a tangle of red tape and unfortunate denials. 

Do You Need an SSI Attorney in Woodbury to File for SSI?

In 2023, over 7 million people relied on help from Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income program. You don’t need an attorney to pursue SSI benefits. Anyone who feels they qualify can apply for SSI through Social Security’s website or a local office. Unfortunately, a large majority of first-time applicants who file for SSI get denied benefits. Why are there so many denials?

Initial Application Denials

The most common reasons for SSI denials include:

• Your documentation was not fully completed and returned. The Social Security Administration (SAA) requires many forms to be completed as part of the application process. These forms are in-depth, time-consuming, and require significant supporting information and material. All documents and information must be completed and returned to SSA within the allotted deadlines, or the applicant will be denied.
• You lacked sufficient evidence of your disability. Applicants must provide SSA with substantial evidence of their condition and prove that they can’t work because of it in order to obtain benefits. 
• Your condition isn’t severe enough. To collect SSI, the disabling condition must meet Social Security’s official definition of a disability or fulfill other requirements recognized by SSA. 
• Your disabling condition will not last a year or more. For anyone applying for SSI, their disabling condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Depending on the condition, medical treatment may offer a more favorable prognosis than what qualifies for SSI.
• Your assets and income exceed the eligibility criteria for SSI. SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and few resources. For 2024, these income limits are $1,971 per month for an individual $2,915 for a couple. Asset limits are less than $2,000 for an individual and less than $3,000 for a couple. Furthermore, SSA considers other income, such as additional benefits and outside assistance with living expenses, as part of these caps. 

Because of the complex nature of the application process, too many deserving applicants never get the benefits they deserve. In many cases, they give up after a denial or feel too overwhelmed by the process to pursue the matter further. Don’t let this happen to you. This is when an experienced SSI attorney can be your staunchest all

In What Other Ways Does Having a Woodbury SSI Attorney Benefit an Applicant?

Filing for SSI benefits can feel daunting. Fortunately, having the guidance of a skilled SSI attorney who understands state and federal requirements and knows how to navigate the complexities of Social Security law can help ensure your initial application for services is properly completed, supported, and submitted correctly and on time. 

Furthermore, an attorney can assist you if your claim has been denied or your financial or housing situation has changed. 

Appealing the Denial

If you have been denied benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision. Your attorney will analyze your claim to understand why your benefits were denied and can request an appeal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Your attorney will help you gather evidence to counter the denial, offer advice on what to expect, and represent your interests before the judge. If your case is particularly complicated, your attorney will have specialized knowledge to help you navigate the process effectively.

Change or Termination of Benefits

If you have already been collecting SSI benefits, the law requires Social Security to periodically review your case to see if anything has changed. If they determine your condition no longer meets their definition of disability, or if they believe you have not complied with a request, they can terminate your benefits. If your child is receiving SSI benefits, they will need to be re-evaluated under adult standards once they reach the age of 18 to see if they meet the adult requirements for disability. Furthermore, any changes in your living arrangements or household composition can result in a reduction in benefits or outright termination. In any of these cases, your SSI attorney in Woodbury can challenge these findings and advocate for reinstatement of your benefits. 

How the Experienced Woodbury SSI Attorneys at Silver & Silver Protect Your Rights to Government Programs Like SSI

Navigating government paperwork is overwhelming to most of us. At Silver & Silver, we take our commitment to our clients very seriously and go to great lengths to ensure they get the benefits they deserve. We do this by:

• Determining which program or programs you qualify for
• Securing the appropriate documentation and support material for your application
• Ensuring the paperwork is comprehensive and correct
• Filing the paperwork, meeting all important deadlines
• Assisting you in appealing a claim after a denial
• Representing you at your hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
• Working to get your benefits reinstated if they’ve been terminated or reduced

If you are planning to file for SSI benefits or have been denied, you may be feeling overwhelmed and alone. Let the experienced Woodbury SSI lawyers at Silver & Silver help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or schedule a free consultation through our website online contact form.

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.