At The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour, we focus on assisting clients seeking Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in California. Attorney Bill LaTour offers professional guidance and legal representation, striving to obtain the benefits our clients are entitled to. Reach out to our Supplemental Security Income attorney in Hemet today to discover how we can help you with the application and appeals process.
We Make It Easy
We strive to make this difficult process as easy as possible. You don’t even have to leave your house. We’ll meet with you over the phone!
You Deserve Benefits
If you’re living with a severe disability that prevents you from working and doing everyday activities, you may be entitled to SSI benefits. Let our team help you get the financial support you deserve.
We Work for You
When you call our office, you’ll get a partner in seeking SSI benefits. The best part is that our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no upfront fees and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case!
Table of Contents
- Comparing Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance
- Requirements for Supplemental Security Income
- How To Apply for SSI
- How To Appeal a Denied SSI Claim
- Benefits of Hiring a Supplemental Security Income Attorney in Hemet
- Reach Out To Dr. Bill LaTour for a No-Cost Case Assessment
- Related Articles & Info
Comparing Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance
Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are distinct programs designed to offer financial aid to people with disabilities. Although both aim to assist individuals who cannot work because of their disabilities, there are important distinguishing characteristics between these programs.
SSI
As a needs-based program, SSI offers monthly financial support to individuals with assets and minimal income. The amount of SSI benefits an individual receives depends on various factors, including other financial resources, their living situation, and income.
Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid offers health coverage to those with limited income and resources. Most states automatically qualify recipients of SSI for Medicaid benefits.
Waiting Period & Eligibility
The timeline for receiving these benefits varies by program. For SSI, individuals may start receiving benefits as soon as they are deemed eligible.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income, applicants must have medical conditions that meet the SSA’s disability definition. Under the SSA’s definition of disability, you qualify if you are incapable of engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically verifiable physical or mental impairment(s) that has lasted or is anticipated to last for a continuous period of no less than 12 months or is likely to result in death.
SSDI
SSDI is an insurance-based program that offers benefits to individuals who have contributed to the Social Security system through previous employment and are now unable to work due to a disability. The amount of SSDI benefits an individual is eligible for depends on their earnings history and the number of work credits they have earned. Work credits, which are key indicators of an individual’s work history, affect the potential amount of SSDI benefits receivable. These credits are accumulated based on annual income, whether earned in a short period, such as a summer job, or throughout an entire year, with a maximum of four credits possible annually.
Requirements for Supplemental Security Income
SSI is generally sought by individuals with restricted income and resources who are either disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old. This program offers financial support to help cover essential needs like shelter, clothing, and food.
To be eligible for SSI from the Social Security Administration (SSA), applicants must satisfy specific criteria:
- Age: Must be 65+.
- Income: Should have few resources and limited income. Any alterations in income, resources, living situations, or health status must be reported to the SSA.
- Citizenship or Residency: Must meet specific residency qualifications or be a U.S. citizen.
- Application: Must submit an SSI benefits application.
- Disability: Should have a medical condition such as blindness, or have a disability that fits the SSA’s disability criteria.
- Work History: Generally have minimal or no work history.
- Financial Assets: Cannot possess substantial financial assets.
- Living Arrangements: Must reside in the Northern Mariana Islands or the United States.
- Continuing Disability Review: Recipients might be subject to periodic evaluations to verify ongoing eligibility based on disability criteria.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for SSI, contact a Supplemental Security Income lawyer in Hemet for a free case review.
How To Apply for SSI:
To apply for Supplemental Security Income in Hemet, you must:
- Collect all documents and information needed for the SSI application such as pay stubs, lease or deed, employment records, disability preparation kits, bank statements, passport or naturalization certification, dates of medical visits with treatment plans and contact information of physicians, social security number or card, and birth certificate.
- Fill out the enrollment form.
- Send the filled form and necessary documents to the SSA. If you choose to download, print, and fill out a paper form, send or deliver it to the Social Security office that requested the form or your local Social Security office.
Whether you’re mid-application or just getting started, an attorney can guide you through the process and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
How To Appeal a Denied SSI Claim
Should your SSI claim be denied, you can challenge the decision by filing an appeal. Hiring a seasoned Supplemental Security Income attorney can greatly aid this process. They will help navigate the formal procedures and ensure your case is articulated well.
The process for appealing a denied SSI claim consists of four essential steps. First, your lawyer will thoroughly review your case and gather any additional evidence that is necessary. This can help strengthen your claim. The second step includes a request for reconsideration. In this stage, a different examiner will reassess your case.
If your request for reconsideration is denied, you proceed to ask for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). During this hearing, your SSI lawyer will argue your case during the hearing. As the final action in this phase, the ALJ will examine the evidence and make a ruling.
The last step of the process is to seek a review from the Appeals Council. If the Administration Law Judge rejects your appeal, you can seek a review from the Appeals Council. This council, made up of judges, will review the ALJ’s decision. If they also deny your claim, your final option is to take your case to federal court.
The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour can assist you in applying for benefits or appealing a denied claim. Our legal team is prepared to manage the complex aspects of your case, allowing you to concentrate on your mental and physical well-being. We are dedicated to helping those in need secure the disability benefits they rightfully deserve. Get your free case review today.
Benefits of Hiring a Supplemental Security Income Attorney in Hemet
There are numerous benefits to hiring our Supplemental Security Income lawyer in Hemet. They can help you through the process of filling out SSI forms, gathering and arranging necessary evidence, filing your claim, and appealing a denied claim. During your hearing, a lawyer will represent and advocate for your interests.
Reach Out To Dr. Bill LaTour for a No-Cost Case Assessment
Our firm recognizes the genuine challenges people encounter throughout this process. Dr. Bill LaTour, an experienced California disability attorney, has successfully managed thousands of SSI claims. With his extensive experience and proven success, having Dr. Bill LaTour represent you ensures that you are in competent hands.
If you’re ready to speak to a Supplemental Security Income lawyer in Hemet, contact us for a free case review today.
Related Articles & Info
- What Are the Income and Asset Limits for Supplemental Security Income Benefits?
- Can My Tax Refund Affect My Supplemental Security Income Benefit Eligibility?
- Do I Automatically Receive Medicaid If I Am Approved For Supplemental Security Income?
- Do I Qualify To Receive My Disability Back Payments As A Lump Sum?
- Does Household Income Affect The Disability Benefits My Child Qualifies For?
- Everything You Need to Know About Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- What Can I Do If the Government Denies My Application for Disability Benefits?
- How Social Security Benefit Claims Are Evaluated To Determine Benefit Amounts