You may find yourself in a situation where you can no longer work due to a disability. Of course, you will need something to replace your income so you can support yourself. Depending on your circumstances, it’s very likely you will look toward government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Applying for benefits is not easy. You definitely will need to know what information to submit with your SSI application.
General Information About SSI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This benefit is paid out as a monthly benefit to people who are:
- Disabled adults or children,
- Blind,
- Over age 65 with limited income.
To qualify for SSI benefits, an applicant must meet the following income and resource requirements:
Income includes wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, food, and shelter. The SSA does exclude some income from consideration. However, if you are married, part of your spouse’s income may be considered. Sponsored noncitizens may have to claim their sponsor’s income also.
Resources are things you own. For example, the SSA may count real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds as resources. Individuals whose resources are worth $2,000 or less typically will qualify for SSI. Couples must have resources worth $3,000 or less. As with income, not everything you own is considered a resource.
There are other conditions that might make someone ineligible for SSI.
Information Needed for an SSI Application
In addition to filling out an SSI application, you will need to provide the following information:
- Social security number and proof of age;
- Contact information for your doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers you have seen, including the dates you visited.
- Names and doses for all medication that you are taking;
- Medical records in your possession from doctors, therapist, hospitals, clinics, caseworkers, and other medical providers;
- Laboratory and test results;
- Where you worked and what kind of work you performed; and
- Your most recent W-2 form or federal tax return if self-employed.
Keep copies of this information after using it for your SSI application. You may refer to it as your application is processed.
We Can Help with Your SSI Application.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Much of their work involves applying for SSI and SSDI. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
