You apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by applying through the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI provides financial help to people who are older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources.
Working with the Houston Disability lawyers from our firm can make the process smoother. We can help you understand what you need to qualify and what steps to take. During a free case review, we can tell you how to apply for Supplemental Security Income and what options you have.
What Is Supplemental Security Income?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that helps people with little or no income who are either older than 65, blind, or disabled. The program gives them cash payments that pay for basic needs.
SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, which are based on work history. Instead, SSI is a needs–based program that considers a person’s income and resources. This makes the program available to people who may not have a long work history or substantial assets.
Who Can Apply for SSI Benefits?
To apply for SSI, you must be 65 or older, blind, or have a disability that limits your ability to work or manage daily activities. You also must have limited income and resources. The SSA looks at your financial situation to determine if you meet these requirements.
What Benefits Are Available Under the SSI Program?
The program provides various benefits, such as:
- Monthly cash payments to help cover basic needs like housing and groceries.
- Access to Medicaid for medical coverage, including doctor’s visits and hospital stays.
- Potential eligibility for additional state benefits, depending on where you live.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
What Happens Before and After You Apply for SSI?
You can apply for SSI by completing an application with the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or by going to your local Social Security office in person. It’s important to have all the information they need to make the process easier.
Check Eligibility
Review the qualifying criteria to confirm that you meet the SSI Disability requirements, including age, disability status, and income limits.
Gather Important Documents
When you apply for SSI, you’ll need to show documents to prove your age, income, resources, and health condition. Collect important documents like your:
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Proof of the money you make
- Medical records
- Housing arrangements information
Having these ready can help speed up the application process.
Submit Your SSI Application
You can apply:
- Online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website
- By phone by contacting the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or
- In person at your local Social Security office (you may need an appointment)
Complete an Interview
After you apply, the SSA may schedule an interview to go over your information. This can be done by phone or in person, and you’ll need to answer questions about your finances, living situation, and health.
Wait for a Formal Decision
The SSA will review your benefits application, which could take several months. You can check your application status online or by calling the SSA.
Receive Approval for SSI Benefits or Appeal of a Denied Claim
If your SSI benefits application is approved, your benefit payments will start. If not, SSA will inform you that your claim is denied. At that point, you can start the Supplemental Security Income Appeals process.
You Can Appeal a Denied SSI Benefits Claim
The appeal process has several stages, and each step allows you to provide more information that supports your claim. Here’s how the appeal process works:
Request for Reconsideration
After you receive a denial notice, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration. During this stage, a new person from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will take another look at your application and any new evidence you provide.
You can add medical records, income information, or other details that support your claim.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If your claim is denied again during reconsideration, you can request a meeting with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The judge will review your case and listen to your testimony during a hearing.
You may also bring witnesses, like doctors or other professionals, who can help support your case. The ALJ will make a new decision based on all the information presented at the hearing.
Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ does not approve your appeal, the Social Security Appeals Council can review your case. The council may review the decision, send it back to the ALJ for another look, or deny your request.
If they choose to review it, they will either make a new decision or send it back for another hearing.
Federal Court Review
If the Appeals Council denies your request or you disagree with its decision, you might be able to file a lawsuit in federal court. This is the final step in the appeal process, which often requires help from a legal professional.
Our Houston Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability lawyers can help you during any part of this process.
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Our Lawyers Can Appeal a Denied SSI Benefits Claim
Hiring an attorney who handles SSI benefits cases and appeals can help you gain peace of mind and give you your time back so you can focus on managing your health. Our legal team understands the entire process and can present your case.
We can also:
- Review your application to correct and prevent errors
- Represent you in all hearings before the ALJ
- Gather and organize important documents, such as medical records and proof of your wages or earnings, to support your case
- Work with leading field experts who can provide testimony to strengthen your case
- Handle correspondence with the SSA and other parties
Our firm can guide you at each stage and update you regularly on all developments so that you understand what is happening with your case.
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Want to Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? We Can Help
If you’re unsure how to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits, Marc Whitehead & Associates can help. With over 32 years of experience and over 100 years of combined knowledge, we wrote the book on disability benefits and are ready to help you.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how to apply for SSI and how our Houston disability lawyers can help with your application or appeal.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
