Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorney

Supplemental Security Income, usually called SSI, is a federal government program for people who are aged, disabled, or blind, and who have very little income and resources to support themselves. SSI is different from Social Security Disability (SSD), but some people are eligible for both kinds of benefits.

People who apply for SSI are usually in a difficult financial position. Even so, around two-thirds of applications for Supplemental Security Income are denied. If that has happened to you, an experienced SSI attorney may be able to help you get the benefits you need—and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless they do. To learn more, contact Bernstein & Bernstein today.

Qualifying for SSI

In order to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits, you must meet certain requirements. You must:

• Be over the age of 65, disabled, or blind; and
• Have very limited income, including money you earn from work, government benefits, or money you receive from other sources, like friends or family; and very limited resources such as bank accounts, land, vehicles, investments, or anything else that could be converted to cash to pay for your basic needs; and
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying alien such as a green card holder, refugee, or asylee.

You might meet all of these requirements, but your application for benefits could still be denied. That could mean that you are without the benefits you need for even longer. Some common reasons for SSI applications to be denied include:

• You failed to fill out all required forms accurately and completely
• Your medical condition is not considered severe enough or long-lasting enough to qualify for benefits
• Your countable income and assets are above the limit required to qualify for benefits
• You missed an important deadline when asking for reconsideration of a denial

Sometimes, the reason for a denial cannot be overcome. But often, an SSI attorney can help you correct the problem that led to the denial of benefits or show the government that their reason for denying your application was incorrect.

How an SSI Attorney Helps

An SSI attorney can help with an SSI application by helping you determine whether you are eligible for benefits, assembling the necessary evidence, and completing and filing your paperwork. But it is often during the appeals process that an attorney is most helpful.

If your application for SSI has been denied, an SSI attorney can help you fix any mistakes in your application and submit any new evidence you have within the time frame allowed by law. Your best chance of a good outcome, however, may come in a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Your attorney will prepare you for the hearing so that you are ready to answer questions and help the ALJ understand your limitations. Your attorney will also present evidence, such as medical records, that support your claim, and cross-examine any government experts who oppose it.

Nearly half of all claims that reach the ALJ hearing stage are approved, and having an SSI attorney improves your chances of success. If you are not successful at this stage, an attorney can help you with further appeals. Remember that most SSI claims are initially denied, but ultimately approved. That is why it is so important not to give up, and to get the right legal help.

At Bernstein & Bernstein, you will work only with an SSI attorney who has over 20 years of legal experience, and who knows how to best present your claim or appeal so you can get the benefits you need.