If you are living with a disability and struggling with limited income, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could provide you with the crucial support you need. This federal program pays out benefits to disabled individuals with limited means, but it strictly enforces eligibility requirements.
If your claim has been denied, a Toledo SSI benefits lawyer can help with the appeal process. Our team of experienced SSI attorneys at Schaffer & Associates is here to help.
SSI provides monthly cash payments to disabled individuals who meet certain criteria related to their health and financial situation. This is a need-based program and is not tied to your work history like SSDI. Instead, the program determines your benefits based on your financial need and the severity of your disability or age status. If you have too much income or financial support from other sources, you may not qualify.
While SSI benefits come in the form of cash, there are some limitations on how you can use this money. Its intended use is for essential expenses, including the following:
These payments help recipients maintain a minimal standard of living. However, the program does not require you to keep track of your spending unless targeted by an audit. If your initial claim for SSI benefits is denied, our Toledo attorneys can help.
SSI is a support program for people with limited income. The amount you receive in benefits will depend on how much income you have. It is also important to understand that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a broad definition of income that is not limited to employer paychecks.
The SSA excludes some income when calculating your benefit amount, such as the first $20 of most monthly income. But in general, as your income increases, your SSI benefits decrease. Because even small increases in income can reduce your benefits, it is a good idea to report these changes to the SSA right away.
If your income gets too high, you may no longer qualify for benefits at all. Our attorneys at Schaffer & Associates help residents in Toledo and the surrounding area understand how income affects their SSI claim.
If you are planning to file for SSI benefits, it is important to understand that there are different income categories to be aware of. Our Toledo SSI benefit attorneys can answer your questions about the following:
The most common form of income is wages or earnings from self-employment. The SSA will count most of your earnings against your benefits, which can reduce your payments.
This includes Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, pensions, and cash gifts. Most forms of unearned income are counted dollar-for-dollar after the first $20 exemption and can significantly reduce your monthly SSI amount.
If you receive free food or shelter from a friend or charitable organization, the SSA may consider this as income in the form of in-kind support. To avoid disputes over subjective values, the SSA relies on presumptions for the worth of aid, such as food or shelter.
In some cases, the SSA deems a portion of another person’s income as available to you. This usually comes in the form of earnings by a spouse, sibling, or child that you live with.
If you believe you are eligible for benefits but the SSA has denied your claim, reach out to a Toledo SSI benefits lawyer. Our team at Schaffer & Associates is experienced in helping individuals in Toledo and the surrounding area to lodge an appeal. Contact us today to start the process.