Category: Supplemental Security Income

Applying for Social Security Income (SSI) can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can increase your chances of getting approved and avoid being denied. Here are some steps to take when applying for SSI.

Step 1: Determine If You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The first step in applying for SSI is determining if you meet the eligibility requirements. SSI is a needs-based program, which means it is available for those with limited income and resources to qualify. In addition, you must be disabled, blind, over the age of 65, or have a qualifying medical condition. Medical conditions that qualify for SSI may include:

  • Blindness
  • Cancer
  • Back injury
  • Kidney disease
  • Genitourinary issues
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Digestive tract problems
  • Vision loss
  • Hearing loss
  • Skin disorders
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Immune disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Mental disorders
  • Various syndromes
  • Hematological disorders

For more specific information about what conditions qualify for adults and children, you can visit the SSA website. 

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Information

To apply for SSI, you will need to provide the SSA with a variety of information, including:

  • Personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
  • Information about your living situation, such as your address and household composition.
  • Information about your income and resources, including bank account statements and tax returns.
  • Information about your medical condition and treatment history.

Gathering all of this information ahead of time can help you streamline the application process and avoid delays.

Step 3: File An Application

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, you can start the process online or contact your local Social Security office. Typically, the entire SSI Application can not be filed online, but once your information is submitted your application date is protected and it will signal the SSA to contact you. If you would like assistance in applying for SSI, an experienced disability attorney can help. 

Step 4: Follow Up With the SSA

After you submit your application, it is important to follow up with the SSA to make sure that your application is complete and being processed. The SSA may need additional information or documentation from you, and following up can help ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner.

Step 5: Be Prepared for a Decision

Once the SSA has reviewed your application, they will make a decision about whether or not you are eligible for SSI. If you are approved, you will begin receiving monthly payments. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

How to Increased Your Chances of SSI Approval

To increase your chances of being approved for SSI, there are several things you can do:

  • Be honest and accurate when filling out your application. Make sure that all of the information you provide is truthful and complete.
  • Provide detailed information about your medical condition and treatment history to help the SSA understand the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
  • Keep track of your application status and follow up with the SSA if necessary. This will help you stay on top of any issues or delays that may arise.
  • Consider working with an experienced disability attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the application process and increase your chances of being approved.

Contact a Disability Attorney for Help

Applying for SSI can be a complex and time-consuming process, but by following these steps and being prepared, you can avoid the chances of being denied. Our disability attorneys have years of experience assisting in the application and appeals process for disability benefits. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or to get started in applying for SSI.

Supplemental Security Income may have been something you are either preparing for in the near future or have already been waiting on through appeal processes or applications. Many local residents want to know “how much SSI can you get in Missouri”? The answer isn’t always so simple, but there are a handful of things you can do to calculate an estimated amount that you may receive in 2023. 

Federal SSI Payments in 2023

The monthly maximum amount of Federal SSI income for 2023 is $914 for individuals, $1371 for eligible individuals with an eligible spouse, and $458 for an essential person. Each year these amounts are adjusted based on cost of living changes, and for 2022 they will be adjusted by 8.7% in January 2023. 

This monthly payment is then reduced based on your countable income, which is any income received during the month that can be used to meet your needs. If you are an eligible individual married to an eligible spouse, your countable income is subtracted equally from the two separate payments. 

How Much SSI Can You Get in Missouri?

In the state of Missouri, an individual can receive up to $914 each month in benefits and eligible couples can receive $1371 each month. Additionally, it is possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI in Missouri. 

Not everyone receives the same amount. Some states add money to the federal SSI payment, but Missouri does not contribute additional funds. Some individuals receive less if they have other income like wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits. If someone pays your household expenses or your spouse has an income it can also reduce your monthly benefit amount. 

Accounting for Countable Income

Before qualifying for SSI, you must first have less than $2000 countable resources as an individual and $3000 as a couple to qualify for SSI benefits. 

In the event that you have countable income each month that should be applied, that must be adjusted with your SSI payments. This is often best done with an attorney to make sure you don’t make any mistakes and potentially account for more income which could result in smaller monthly SSI payments potentially. 

Not all of your income is “countable income”. Depending on how much money is coming into the household, sometimes less than half of your income is accounted for as “countable income” against your SSI benefits. 

“Fair Share” And In-Kind Support

If you are receiving additional support for food and shelter, such as living with family members, and do not currently pay your share of the expenses, this can also negatively impact your expected SSI benefits. The maximum benefits allowances are based on living on your own and covering all food and shelter expenses like rent, mortgages, utilities, etc. If you do not currently have any of those expenses and are not contributing to your household, this could become a predicament when applying. You should discuss your living situation with an attorney before moving forward with an application for SSI benefits. 

Applying for SSI in Missouri? Get Help from The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

Please contact the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill so one of our disability attorneys can assist you in applying for SSI. Applying for disability benefits on your own may decrease your chances of getting approved. We can also help you prepare for your hearing. 

Strategies for Appealing a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits

The process of applying for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) can be time-consuming and challenging. Appealing for SSI can be even more difficult and is best done with the assistance of an attorney. If you qualify for SSI, here is how SSI lawyers make the application and appeal process easier for you. 

Free Consultations

Being able to discuss your case with an attorney’s office and talk about your needs for applying or appealing an SSI claim is an important first step. You want to understand if you potentially meet the criteria required to qualify for disability benefits. A free consultation gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have and get advice on how to best move forward. 

Application Guidance

The SSI application process is lengthy and can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with the Social Security Administration’s systems and processes. There are risks associated with applying for SSI on your own and if you miss a step or don’t include important information, you may be denied and have to appeal. SSI lawyers know the ins and outs of the SSA as well as the financial parameters that someone must meet to qualify. 

Gathering Documentation

One of the reasons applying for SSI is so challenging is the amount of documentation that is required for a complete application. SSI lawyers know specifically what documents the SSA will need, and they can assist you in including them in the application correctly. They may also request medical source statements from your doctors as additional evidence. The chances of your case being approved decrease when there are missing pieces of information or when incomplete answers are given. Having the help of an attorney in gathering documentation could mean the difference between getting approved or denied. 

Hearing Preparation

If your case is denied at the reconsideration level, you will need to prepare for an SSI hearing. Having an attorney by your side to prepare you and attend the hearing will not only ease your mind, but will increase your chances of approval. It is very important that all evidence is submitted correctly and with enough time before the date of the hearing. An attorney knows how to review the evidence and represent the case. 

During the Hearing

Your SSI lawyer will be with you during your hearing for support as well as cross-examining vocational experts. This can help strengthen your case to help everyone understand your condition fully and present evidence clearly. 

Appeal Guidance 

In the event that you have previously been denied SSI and need to appeal, SSI lawyers are very experienced in the appeal process. Statistics show that you are more likely to have a successful appeal if you are represented by an attorney. They can help you gather the information that may have been missing and help make a strong case for your future approval. 

Get Help Applying or Appealing for SSI with the Law Office of Karen Kraus Bill

The SSI lawyers at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill have filed hundreds of SSI applications and helped many clients appeal if they’ve previously been denied. Throughout the entire process, they communicate with the SSA on your behalf. Please reach out to schedule a free consultation to see how the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can help.

The coronavirus has affected people worldwide, and this widespread virus has caused the rates of unemployment in the United States to skyrocket. Due to this, the U.S. government passed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act in 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. These are both meant to provide direct economic assistance for Americans who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are some limitations on who will receive stimulus money based on income level. So what do you need to know about SSDI, SSI, and stimulus checks? 

Who Is Eligible For The COVID-19 Stimulus Check?

The 2nd stimulus check was provided in the amounts of $600 per individual, $1,200 per couple, and $600 for children. Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) that falls at or below $75,000, $112,500 for heads of household, or couples who earn below $150,000 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 relief funds. Those who earn above these amounts may still receive a stimulus check, but the amounts will be reduced. 

Will SSDI or SSI Affect My Stimulus Check?

Many people are wondering, “Am I eligible for the COVID-19 stimulus check if I also receive SSDI or SSI benefits?” If you participate in the SSDI or SSI programs, the IRS claims you should automatically be eligible to receive the stimulus money. If you received money on the first or second round of payments, you should qualify for future stimulus payments. However, if you were claimed as a dependant on someone else’s tax return, that could affect your eligibility. 

Will COVID-19 Stimulus Money Affect My Disability Benefits Eligibility?

The COVID-19 stimulus check will not count as income for SSI eligibility purposes, and there is no need to report it to the Social Security Administration as income. The money is also not taxable, so it also does not count as a resource as long as you spend the full amount within 12 months of receiving it. For those receiving SSDI benefits, the stimulus check should not affect eligibility. 

What If My Income Is Lower Than When I Filed My Last Tax Return?

If you had decreased income in 2020 due to the loss of a job and/or starting disability benefits, there is a chance you may not receive the next stimulus check. However, if you filed a 2019 tax return that is above the $75,000 or $150,000 threshold, but you are under that threshold upon filing your 2020 taxes, you could get your stimulus payment in the form of a rebate with a later tax return. This is referred to as a Recovery Rebate Credit. 

Beware of Stimulus Check Scams

Please be aware that the IRS will not contact you for personal financial information. Many scams surround the COVID-19 relief money and people have received phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Treasury Department or the IRS. The IRS will securely mail you a letter to your last known address approximately 15 days after your money was deposited into your account or mailed as a paper check. This letter will inform you of how the payment was made, and if you did not receive your payment, you can request a replacement check from the IRS. You can also check the status of your payment through the IRS website. 

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one needs legal advice about SSI, SSDI, and stimulus checks for COVID-19 relief, please reach out to the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill today. Our team of experienced attorneys is available to help you get the money you deserve.

We live in a world where many of us like to take care of things ourselves and feel like we don’t want to bother anyone by asking for help. It is an admirable trait to be self-sufficient; however, it may be in your best interest to ask for help from an experienced disability attorney and learn about the risks of applying for SSDI without a lawyer. 

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, is considered a federal “needs-based program.” This means that it is available for those who have a financial need, have a disability that prevents gainful activity, or are blind. There are financial parameters that must be met to be eligible for SSI benefits. You may qualify for SSI if you own less than $2,000 in total countable assets as an individual or $3,000 as a married couple living together. You can apply for SSI on your own, but we recommend that you seek the assistance of experienced our SSI lawyers in Columbia, MO. 

Applying for SSI On Your Own

For many, applying for SSI can be overwhelming, the process can be tedious, and mistakes are commonly made. One of the reasons it is challenging to apply for SSI on your own is due to all of the information necessary to be approved. If there is information missing or incorrect, you may be denied. Information required to apply for SSI may include:

  • Proof of your age and your Social Security number
  • Names and dosages of all medications you take
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of clinics, hospitals, doctors, and caseworkers that have taken care of you, including the dates of your visits
  • Laboratory and test results
  • Medical records from your doctors, therapists, clinics, hospitals, and caseworkers
  • A summary of your work history and the type of work you performed
  • The most recent W-2 form or a copy of your federal tax return if you were self-employed
  • Proof of marriage and dates or prior marriages

It can feel daunting to undergo this process on your own. There is so much information to provide to the Social Security Administration, and you want to be confident you are presenting it accurately. 

Dos and Don’ts When Applying for SSI

Dos

  • Do your best to gather as much documentation as possible to prove your medical conditions meet the SSA criteria for eligibility. 
  • Do request additional documentation when possible to strengthen your case, such as a statement from your healthcare provider. 
  • Do ask for assistance from an experienced disability attorney.

Don’ts

  • Don’t forget to consider child support as income unless it is directed to a Supplemental Needs Trust.
  • Don’t provide only dated medical records. Showing the history of your medical condition is good, however, the strength of your case is diminished if there are no current records.
  • Don’t rely solely on the Social Security Administration to secure the necessary information needed for your determination. 

Let The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill Help

Whether you are applying for the first time or need to appeal a denial, the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can help. Applying for SSI on your own might seem straightforward at first, but you will quickly discover a lot goes into the process. it is important to understand the risks of applying for SSDI without a lawyer and the common mistakes or missing information on the application that can result in a denial or reduced payments. The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill have filed hundreds of applications. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

As a parent, when your child is sick, you want to do everything you can to help them. When a child faces a chronic or life-threatening illness, it can be challenging and impact your family’s income. Medical bills, time away from work, and additional childcare needs can add up quickly. You shouldn’t have to face these hardships alone. There are benefits available for children with disabilities, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can help families in this situation get the financial assistance they need. 

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs-based program provided by the Social Security Administration that is funded through general taxes. It exists to help low-income families or individuals who have a disability or are blind and also have limited income or resources. SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and no previous work history is required for SSI eligibility. For those that do qualify, monthly payments are sent to help with caring for the disabled child.  

Does My Child Qualify for SSI?

For your child to qualify for SSI benefits, specific requirements must be met. Under the Social Security Administration guidelines, a child is considered to be:

  • A person who is unmarried
  • A person who is not the head of household
  • A person who is under the age of 18, or
  • A person who is under the age of 22 and is a student who regularly attends school

For the child to qualify for SSI benefits, they must be either disabled or blind. 

Criteria for a child’s disability include:

  • The child has a medically determined mental or physical impairment(s) that results in severely limited functioning
  • The impairment(s) has already lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or is expected to result in death

Criteria for a child’s blindness include:

  • The child must have a visual impairment with visual acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in their better eye with use of a correcting lens 

OR

  • The child must have a visual field limitation in their better eye where the widest diameter of the visual field has an angle no greater than 20 degrees

What Conditions Qualify My Child for SSI?

There are many illnesses that qualify as life-threatening or a disability and would allow your child to qualify for SSI. To see the full list, you can visit the SSA website, but some of the most common childhood illnesses include:

  • Heart Transplants
  • Childhood Cancers
  • Low Birth Weight
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Down Syndrome
  • Muscular Dystrophy 

Applying for SSI for A Child

Applying for SSI for a child requires an Application for Supplemental Security Income as well as a Child Disability Report. A Child Disability Report helps collect necessary information about the child’s condition and the ways in which it affects his or her ability to function. Other information and documents you may need to provide include but are not limited to:

  • The child’s birth certificate or other proof or birth or adoption certificate
  • Proof that the child is a U.S. citizen
  • Proof of the worker’s marriage to the child’s natural or adoptive parent if the child is the worker’s stepchild
  • W-2 form or self-employment tax return if the child had earnings
  • Proof of the worker’s death if they are deceased and U.S. military discharge papers

There may also be a number of documents pertaining to the parents of the child, such as:

  • Parent’s birth certificate
  • Proof of marriage 
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status

Get Help With an SSI Appeal for A Child

The process of appealing an SSI denial for your child can feel intimidating and time-consuming. We understand that if your child has a disability or life-threatening illness, you may not have the time or energy to research and appeal for SSI benefits. The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill in Columbia, MO have experience with Child SSI claims if your child needs help with an appeal. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss Supplemental Security Income for children. 

If you have a limited work history, resources, or income, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could be a helpful means of financial support. SSI is considered a federal “needs-based program,” meaning it is available for those who demonstrate a financial need, have a disability that prevents gainful activity, or is blind. SSI is funded by general taxes rather than from the Social Security trust fund. The standard federal SSI payment is a set amount that changes yearly based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA). Most people who receive SSI will also immediately qualify for Medicaid benefits. 

Who is Eligible for SSI?

The requirements for SSI are different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Unlike SSDI, no previous work history is required for eligibility. However, there are financial parameters that must be met. You may be able to receive SSI benefits if you own less than $2,000 worth of total countable assets as an individual or $3,000 as a married couple living together. Countable assets include most anything of value in which you own except for your home and one vehicle. You may qualify for SSI benefits if you meet the financial requirements and if: 

 

To qualify for SSI, you must also be a resident of the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands. Non-citizens who lawfully reside in the U.S may also be eligible for SSI. 

 

What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSI?

Someone who is blind may qualify for SSI. According to the Social Security Administration, they define blindness as:

  • A vision acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in your better eye with correction such as glasses or contact lenses.
  • The visual field limitation in your better eye subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.

As of 2020, the list of medical conditions that qualify for SSI have been updated and include the following:

  • Cancer
  • Musculoskeletal problems such as a back injury
  • Kidney disease and genitourinary problems
  • Cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure or coronary artery disease
  • Digestive tract problems such as IBD or liver disease
  • Senses and speech issues such as vision and hearing loss
  • Skin disorders such as dermatitis
  • Respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma
  • Immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Neurological disorders such as MS, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy
  • Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or autism
  • Various syndromes such as Marfan Syndrome and Sjogren’s Syndrome
  • Hematological disorders such as disorders of bone marrow 

A more in-depth list for adults and children is available on the Social Security website.

Do I Need to Work to Qualify for SSI?

Some people may get confused about the difference between SSI and SSDI. There are work requirements necessary to qualify for SSDI, however, SSI recipients can be children or individuals who have never worked. Though, if you have worked during the last ten years, you could qualify for both SSI and SSDI and should get advice about what claim type to file. 

Can I Qualify for SSI Before Retirement?

Children and adults under the age of 65 may be eligible for SSI if they have a physical or mental disability. 

You may be considered disabled if:

  • Your medical condition keeps you from working
  • Your medical condition is expected to last 12+ months or result in death.   

Your child may be considered disabled if: 

  • Your child’s medical condition results in severe functional limitations
  • Your child’s medical condition is expected to last 12+ months or result in death. 

There are other non-medical rules that determine SSI eligibility. The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill offers free consultations for SSI claims. 

Speak with a Disability Attorney

If you have a limited income and a disability, you may be entitled to financial assistance through Supplemental Security Income benefits. Let the Social Security Disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill help with your claim for disability benefits by contacting us today.