What are the requirements for Supplemental Security Income?

On Behalf of | Jul 21, 2017 | Supplemental Security Income

There are two programs offered by the Social Security Administration to help victims of injuries or illnesses in the United States who are unable to work – the Social Security Disability Insurance program, or SSDI and the Supplemental Security Income program, or SSI. While the Social Security Disability Insurance programs is paid for and handles victims who paid into the program through payroll taxes, Supplemental Security Income is geared towards Americans who did not pay into the SSDI program, are unable to work and who meet minimum income thresholds.

In order to qualify for Supplemental Security Income, one must have a serious illness, injury or mental condition that prohibits them from maintaining gainful employment and must prove that the condition is expected to last at least at least a year or end in death. The program is available to those who are 65 or older, adults who are proven to be disabled and children who are disabled or blind. The amount of payments will depend upon the victim’s income and resources.

The individual must also have less than $2,000 in cash or in combined bank accounts. For a married couple, the combined bank accounts must not exceed $3,000. The value of a car up to $4,500 in fair market value is not included as part of an individual’s resources, nor is the value of a victim’s home.

Navigating through the Supplemental Security Income application process is not always easy, especially for someone who is already suffering from a debilitating condition. Considering that approximately two thirds of all initial applications are rejected by the Social Security Administration, it might be in one’s best interests to consider reaching out to a firm familiar with Social Security Disability benefits for assistance.

Source: Findlaw.com, “What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?” Accessed on July 19, 2017

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