Supplemental Security Income can provide monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance, you do not need a long work history to qualify for SSI.
At Bruce Weider, PC, we help people in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and communities throughout Southeast Michigan apply for SSI and challenge denied disability claims. Bruce L. Weider has more than 30 years of legal experience helping people pursue Social Security disability benefits.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for SSI, have been denied benefits, or need to appeal a Social Security decision, our firm can review where your claim stands and what needs to happen next.
Who Qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal needs-based program administered by the Social Security Administration. Adults and children may qualify based on disability or blindness, and people age 65 or older may qualify without having a disability. Applicants must also meet SSI's financial and other eligibility requirements.
For an adult applying based on disability, Social Security looks at whether a medically determinable physical or mental condition prevents substantial gainful activity and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.
You may be eligible for SSI even if you have never worked, have not worked recently enough to qualify for SSDI, or did not earn enough work credits for Social Security Disability Insurance.
What Are the SSI Income and Resource Limits?
SSI eligibility depends on more than your medical condition. Social Security also looks at your income and countable resources.
The federal SSI resource limits are generally $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Resources can include money in bank accounts, cash, stocks and certain property.
That does not mean everything you own counts toward the limit. Social Security generally excludes the home you live in, one vehicle used for transportation, household goods and personal belongings, along with certain other property.
Income rules are more complicated because Social Security does not count every dollar or every type of assistance in the same way. Your wages, other benefits, living arrangements and household circumstances can affect whether you qualify and how much SSI you receive. Michigan is also among the states where SSA notes that a higher income limit may apply.
What Is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
SSI and SSDI are both administered by Social Security, but they are different programs.
SSDI is based on your work history. Workers generally earn coverage by working and paying Social Security taxes. To receive SSDI on your own earnings record, you need enough work credits and must meet Social Security's disability requirements.
SSI is based on financial need. You do not need a particular work history, but your income and resources must fall within the program's rules. If you are under 65 and applying based on disability, you must also meet Social Security's medical disability standard.
Some people may qualify for both programs. If you're trying to determine which program applies to you, read more about Social Security Disability Insurance or contact our office to discuss your situation.
Why Does Social Security Deny SSI Disability Claims?
An SSI claim can be denied because Social Security believes you do not meet the medical definition of disability or because you do not meet the program's non-medical requirements.
Reasons an SSI application may be denied include:
- Social Security believes your condition does not prevent substantial work.
- SSA believes you can perform past work or adjust to another type of work.
- Your medical records do not adequately document your limitations.
- Your condition has not lasted and is not expected to last at least 12 months.
- Your countable income is too high.
- Your countable resources exceed SSI limits.
- Social Security does not have information or records needed to decide the claim.
The reason for the denial determines what needs to be addressed next. A dispute about medical evidence is different from a denial based on income or resources.
Can I Appeal a Denied SSI Claim?
Yes. Social Security allows you to appeal most decisions about SSI eligibility and benefit amounts. The appeals process can include reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court review.
In general, you have 60 days after receiving the notice to request an appeal. Your Social Security notice should tell you what decision was made, your appeal rights, and how long you have to respond. If your SSI claim was denied, waiting can make the situation harder. We can can review the decision, determine what Social Security disputed, and help prepare the next stage of the claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for SSI in Michigan?
You are allowed to apply for Supplemental Security Income without a lawyer, and Social Security also allows applicants to appoint a representative to help with an SSI claim.
Our role goes beyond filling out an application. We can review the issues in your claim, help develop medical evidence, address questions about your ability to work, handle an appeal after a denial, and prepare you for a disability hearing when necessary. Bruce has more than 30 years of experience handling Social Security disability matters. That experience is especially useful when the dispute is not simply whether you have a medical condition, but whether the evidence shows that your condition keeps you from working under Social Security's rules.
Talk With Bruce Weider, PC About Your SSI Claim or Appeal
If you are applying for SSI or Social Security has already denied your disability claim, Bruce Weider, PC can review the decision and help you determine what comes next.
Our firm helps people in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and throughout Southeast Michigan with Supplemental Security Income claims, denied disability applications, appeals, and Social Security disability hearings.
Request a free consultation to discuss your SSI claim with our office.
