Social Security Disability Attorney Bakersfield

If you’ve experienced a significant illness or impairment, you can receive benefits to help sustain yourself. Additionally, after a certain age, you can receive a limited income and other resources to make life easier as an elderly individual. In 2019, 69.1 million people receive benefits administered by Social Security Administration. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only provides Social Security disability benefits to supplement a lifestyle impacted by a negative health-related event. 

SSDI, on the other hand, can cover retirement benefits for the majority of older Americans and is tied to your work history. Typically, an SSI recipient receives health care coverage through Medicaid before qualifying for SSI benefits. For more information, contact our team at Pisegna and Zimmerman for a free consultation in Bakersfield. 

How Do You Qualify?

SSD Law

To qualify for SSI, your eligibility is based upon the level of disability you have, whether or not you are in the age range of over 65 or above, and if you have limited income or resources. Your assets must be less than $2,000 if you’re single and less than $3,000 for a married couple. The house you’re living in is not included in the value of your assets, and the value of your car may also be discluded. In some cases, other government benefits may disqualify you for SSI. Speak to our team to find out whether or not you are eligible. 

Apart from receiving other benefits, you may not be eligible if you don’t have enough work credits. You must also be a US citizen or a lawful resident before you can receive Social Security benefits. To be legally disabled, you would have to speak to a qualified doctor and undergo the required medical examination that qualifies you for SSI. The medical test must confirm that your disability is at such a level that it significantly impairs you.

The Disability Determination Services within your state will review your disability claim and decide if you should receive benefits. A Social Security disability attorney can help ensure you take the proper steps to qualify.

How Do I Apply?

You can begin your SSI application online, over the phone, or sent by mail. To apply online, you must be 18 or older, and your record must show you are not receiving Social Security benefits. You must be unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to persist for at least 12 months. The alternative is that your medical condition is so severe that it may result in death. Another requirement for applying online is that you must have been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. Otherwise, you must apply via another method.

To apply over the phone, call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will make an appointment so that you can apply over the phone. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, you can call the number 1-800-325-0778 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. You can also send an application to the address:

Social Security Administration Office of Public 

Inquiries and Communications Support 

1100 West High Rise 6401 Security Blvd.

 Baltimore, MD 21235

It is best to apply as soon as possible after you have proven eligibility. You can receive SSI benefits the first full month after the date you filed your claim or the same date you became eligible for SSI if you filed at a later date.

Can My Family Members Receive Benefits Too?

You may not be the only person in your family who is eligible for SSI benefits. If you’re eligible, children under the age of 16 can also receive benefits. Disabled family members under the age of 22 may also be able to receive SSI benefits whether or not you’re eligible. If you’re over 65 and have enough work credits to receive SSI benefits but haven’t filed a claim, your divorced spouse may also qualify for the benefits if you were married for at least 10 years. You must have been divorced for at least two years. 

If you are a surviving spouse applying after your husband or wife passed away, you must be aged 60 or older or they must be at least 50 and disabled. If you are divorced from your deceased ex-spouse, you must be aged 60 or older and have been married for at least 10 years. If the surviving spouse is under the age of 60, they must be caring for a child under the age of 16 who is entitled to children’s benefits. Otherwise, the child must be disabled before age 22 to be eligible. Dependent parents who are 62 or older may also qualify for benefits based on how many work credits the deceased worker has.

Learn More About SSI Benefits From Knowledgeable Representatives

Find out more information about how you can receive SSI benefits by speaking to a team who has experience in consulting on SSI claims. Learn more by calling Pisegna and Zimmerman today for a free consultation.

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