More than 160,000 people are homeless in California each day. Many are veterans. Some have been homeless for years. We’re not sure of the actual number who are both homeless and disabled. And if they are unable to work because of a disability, they should be eligible for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But how will they apply for and receive their benefits?
They Still Need to Meet the Basic Requirements
The Social Security Administration (Social Security) maintains both the SSDI and SSI program. They maintain certain requirements that applicants must meet before Social Security can award benefits to them. For example, applicants must:
- Have worked at a job covered by Social Security.
- Be unable to transition to another type of work.
- Have a medical condition that meets the definition of disability.
Their disabling medical condition also must:
- Have lasted a year,
- Be expected to last at least a year or cause their death.
Whether homeless and disabled or not, they must have medical evidence to support their disability claim.
But How Will Someone Who Is Homeless and Disabled Apply for Benefits?
Social Security understands that someone experiencing homelessness might find it difficult to apply for benefits. They suggest that homeless and disabled individuals contact them to help with the application process. As with other applicants, they are also free to contact an SSDI disability attorney.
Also, Social Security offers advice on how to find housing. They may also offer information about other programs that could provide the assistance they need.
Finally, Won’t it Be Hard for a Homeless and Disabled Person to Receive Their Benefits?
Social Security can direct deposit SSDI and SSI benefits to any individual’s bank account or send a paper check. But someone who is homeless may not have a bank account or an address where they can receive mail.
In some cases, representative payees manage benefits for individuals who are homeless and disabled. The representative receives the benefits and uses them to help the benefit recipient.
Homeless and Disabled People Can Still Qualify for Disability Benefits
It’s not easy to apply for benefits while dealing with a serious medical condition and being homeless. But such benefits could help improve your quality of life.
The application process is complicated, but having someone in your corner helps. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
