Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. If your SSI claim or request for reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing to appear before an Administrative Law Judge to present your case.
A Toledo SSI hearing lawyer can provide vital representation before, during, and after your hearing to maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Our experienced SSI attorneys at Schaffer & Associates understand the specific regulations, procedures, and legal arguments needed to successfully advocate for your case.
To qualify for SSI, individuals must meet both disability criteria and financial eligibility requirements. SSI is intended for people with limited income and resources who are unable to work due to a disabling condition.
Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is not based on your work history. However, the Social Security Administration will still assess your ability to work when determining whether your condition qualifies as a disability.
If your income or resources exceed federal limits, you will not be eligible for SSI—even if you are medically disabled. In these cases, SSDI may be an alternative worth exploring, depending on your work history and contributions to Social Security.
SSI benefits can help cover basic daily living expenses such as housing costs, utilities, food, and personal necessities. The exact monthly amount varies depending on your financial situation, but there is a federal maximum benefit amount that is adjusted annually.
Our dedicated team of attorneys in Toledo can provide invaluable assistance after an initial SSI application has been denied, including support throughout the reconsideration and hearing process.
If your SSI application is denied, you can request reconsideration. If your claim is denied at the reconsideration level, you can ask for a hearing. An SSI lawyer in Toledo can file an appeal in a timely manner and represent you if your case proceeds to a hearing.
An SSI hearing with an Administrative Law Judge is an important step in the appeal process of a denied application for benefits. It poses an opportunity to present your case and provide more evidence. At the hearing, the judge will review your medical records, allow you to present your case and provide additional evidence, and decide whether you qualify for benefits.
The judge will listen to testimony about your disability and how it affects your daily life. This makes it vital to have an attorney representing you at your hearing because they can cross-examine medical or vocational experts to strengthen your case.
An attorney can gather and organize all relevant medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans, ensuring the most comprehensive picture of your disability is presented. During the hearing, a lawyer can ask targeted questions to effectively highlight the limitations caused by your condition.
A Toledo SSI hearing lawyer can prepare you for potential questions from the judge. An attorney can present compelling legal arguments on your behalf and address the specific factors that contribute to your disability to underscore why you should qualify for benefits.
You should not try to face this legal process alone. Our legal team can manage all aspects of your case, ensuring deadlines are met and taking steps to prevent potential delays or the dismissal of your claim. Give Schaffer & Associates a call today to set up your consultation with a local attorney.