Supplemental Security Income Lawyers in Raleigh, NC
Securing Supplemental Security Income for You
The emotional toll of being disabled can be immense. Many people with disabilities feel like they are not good enough or that they are a burden on their families and friends. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. It is important to have a support system in place, whether that is family, friends, or a support group for people with disabilities. It is also important to have a good disability lawyer who understands the emotional toll of being disabled and can help you get the benefits you need.
Supplemental Security Income, or (SSI), is a government program that provides benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. If you are eligible for SSI, you may be able to receive monthly payments, health care coverage, and other benefits.
Many adults who suffer from a disability find it difficult to work and support themselves. This is where Supplemental Security Income can be a life-saving program. SSI provides monthly benefits that can help disabled adults cover their essential expenses, such as food, housing, and medical care.
If you think you may be eligible for SSI, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you file a claim. The lawyers at O’Malley Tunstall, PC are experienced in SSI law and can help you get the benefits you deserve. We understand the complex rules and regulations governing the SSI program and will work tirelessly to ensure that your claim is successful. Contact us today for a free consultation at (919) 277-0150.
What is Supplemental Security Income?
Every disabled person with a work history is eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Another fund exists to support people who are disabled but have not contributed to Social Security over the years: Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI, which also goes by the name Title 16, offers similar benefits as SSD and is funded not by individual workers but from general funds—taxes and is a federal program. Many of the important features of SSI are identical to those in SSD.
SSI is available only to people with limited income and assets. It pays benefits to:
- Low-income people 65 or older
- Disabled adults (using the same definition for disabled that SSD uses)
- Disabled and blind children
In addition to meeting one of the above criteria, an individual must also have limited income and assets. The Social Security Administration uses a “means test” to determine whether an individual has sufficient income and assets to qualify for Supplemental Security Income.
Many people want to know why two separate programs exist. They are each a response to a separate problem. SSD was established in 1960, adding disability payments to existing retirement benefits.
SSI came later when the federal government rounded up many different state agencies providing benefits to people with no working records. This new program was placed under the Social Security Administration.
SSI benefits are not easy to get. Applications can take a long time to get through the different denials and appeals. Having an experienced law firm like O’Malley Tunstall, PC on your side greatly increases your chances of success, and sooner rather than later.
Why is Supplemental Security Income Important?
Supplemental Security Income is a need-based government benefit program that provides financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. The Social Security Administration administers the Supplemental Security Income program.
Supplemental Security Income can be an important source of financial assistance for those who are eligible. It can help recipients cover basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing. Additionally, Supplemental Security Income can help pay for other necessary expenses such as medical care and transportation.
Supplemental Security Income can improve the quality of life for many disabled adults and children. Supplemental Security Income can play a vital role in helping disabled individuals and families get by financially. The program can provide much-needed assistance with everyday expenses, which can help improve the quality of life for those who receive benefits.
Additionally, Supplemental Security Income can help recipients access important health care and social services. The program can make it easier for disabled individuals to obtain the care and support they need to lead fulfilling lives.
For these reasons, Supplemental Security Income is an important government benefit program that can make a big difference in the lives of those who are eligible.
What Should I Do if My SSI Application is Rejected?
If your SSI application is rejected, you have the right to file an appeal. The first step in appealing a rejection is to request a reconsideration of your case. If you are still denied after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
There are many reasons why an SSI application may be denied. The most common reason is that the applicant’s income and/or assets exceed the program’s limits. Other reasons for denial include:
- The applicant is not disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration
- The applicant is younger than 18 (or 65 if applying for SSI due to blindness)
- The applicant does not meet the citizenship or residency requirements
- The applicant is incarcerated
- The applicant is in a treatment facility for drug or alcohol addiction
If your SSI application is denied, you should contact a Supplemental Security Income lawyer in Raleigh, NC to discuss your options. An experienced SSI lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and give you the best chance of getting the benefits you need.
How Can an Experienced SSI Lawyer Assist Me?
There are many ways in which a Supplemental Security Income lawyer can help you. First, if you have never applied for SSI before, your attorney can guide you through the initial application process. This includes helping you gather the necessary documentation and filling out the required forms.
An SSI attorney will also be familiar with the program’s eligibility requirements and how to best present your case so that you have the best chance at securing the disability benefits you need and deserve.
If your initial application is denied, your attorney can also represent you at your appeals hearing. During this hearing, your attorney will present evidence on your behalf and argue why you should be approved for benefits.
In addition to representing you during the application and appeals process, your attorney can also provide general guidance and support throughout your claim. For example, if you have questions about what medical evidence is needed to prove your disability or if you need help understanding the complex SSI rules, your attorney can provide the answers and assistance you need.
The application and appeals process can be daunting. But with the help of a qualified and experienced SSI lawyer, you can give yourself the best chance at securing the benefits you need to maintain your quality of life.
If you wish to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits and are serious about obtaining them, talk to our attorneys about your claim. Write us or call O’Malley Tunstall, PC of Raleigh, North Carolina, at (919) 277-0150. We are here to help you.