SSI AND ITS LIMITATIONS
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. The Social Security office often calls it "Title 16." It is a type of welfare benefit for economically distressed, elderly and disabled individuals. It is very different from Social Security disability (SSDI), also called "Title 2" benefits.
Here is what makes SSI challenging:
1) A claimant does not need a work history, since SSI requires no work credits at all. However, the claimant must meet very severe financial restrictions. For example, having at least $2,000 in cash, savings or other financial resources can disqualify you financially. They will also look at deemed income or household income, taking in consideration the income of anyone living in your home (spouse, friend, family member, etc.). Those persons' income may be used to deny or reduce your benefits. In short, a claimant must be "needy" to qualify.
2) A claimant must meet the same medical disability requirements as for a Title II claim, or be elderly.
3) In Alabama, the maximum SSI benefit is about $735 per month. (An SSDI benefit may be a lot more). It may be less based on the claimant's living arrangement, income, household expenses, etc. For example, if a relative or friend provides you a house, apartment or mobile home to live in rent-free, it will likely reduce your SSI benefit by one-third. For instance, Ruby lives with her mother but does not pay rent or share in the cost of food, utilities or other household expenses. This will probably be considered equivalent to income and will reduce Ruby's monthly benefit.
4) It takes longer to get an SSI claim approved than an SSDI claim. This is because Social Security not only has to verify that you qualify medically, they have to check out your financial situation, as well.
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE: THE FORSYTHE FIRM
CALL US (256) 799-0297
Here is what makes SSI challenging:
1) A claimant does not need a work history, since SSI requires no work credits at all. However, the claimant must meet very severe financial restrictions. For example, having at least $2,000 in cash, savings or other financial resources can disqualify you financially. They will also look at deemed income or household income, taking in consideration the income of anyone living in your home (spouse, friend, family member, etc.). Those persons' income may be used to deny or reduce your benefits. In short, a claimant must be "needy" to qualify.
2) A claimant must meet the same medical disability requirements as for a Title II claim, or be elderly.
3) In Alabama, the maximum SSI benefit is about $735 per month. (An SSDI benefit may be a lot more). It may be less based on the claimant's living arrangement, income, household expenses, etc. For example, if a relative or friend provides you a house, apartment or mobile home to live in rent-free, it will likely reduce your SSI benefit by one-third. For instance, Ruby lives with her mother but does not pay rent or share in the cost of food, utilities or other household expenses. This will probably be considered equivalent to income and will reduce Ruby's monthly benefit.
4) It takes longer to get an SSI claim approved than an SSDI claim. This is because Social Security not only has to verify that you qualify medically, they have to check out your financial situation, as well.
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE: THE FORSYTHE FIRM
CALL US (256) 799-0297
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