Helpful Facts on Claiming Supplemental Security Income

Social Security Income or SSI offers monthly benefits to qualified individuals. Recipt of SSI is not also exclusive, meaning, even you are able to receive SSI you may still be entitled to other benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps.

If you want to claim SSI benefits, it is worthy to note that there are only three groups of people who are eligible to receive SSI benefits. They are as follows:

1. If you are 65 years or older.
2. If you are blind. You must be totally blind or have very poor eyesight which can be considered also as totally blind in order to receive SSI benefits. If, on the other hand, you are not totally blind or have very poor vision but your poor eyesight prevents you from working, you can still claim SSI benefit as a disabled person.
3. If you are disabled. Disabled means you must have a physical or mental problem that prevents you from engaging in gainful employment. This incapacity or disability must last for longer than one year.

Your child may also be eligible for SSI. For your child to be entitled to SSI, he or she must be under 18 or under 22 years of age but the latter must be attending school regularly. Aside from this age requirement, your child must also be blind or otherwise disabled to be eligible for the benefit.

You may apply for SSI over the phone or in person by going to the Social Security Office and bring your Social Security number, proof of age, contact information of your doctor or hospital and a copy of your lease or mortgage or any documents or information regarding your housing status or condition among others.

In evaluating your application for SSI, the Social Security Administration considers your income or means of gainful employment and your possessions. In determining income, SSA examines how much you and your spouse is earning, other Social Security benefits, pensions if you have any and non-cash items that you receive like the value of your clothing, food and shelter. On the other hand, in evaluating your possessions, SSA looks at the amount of money you have, real estates, stocks or bonds if you have any.

To be able to apply properly and fully, you must ask the assistance of an expert lawyer on the matter. Your lawyer will definitely help you prepare and file the appeal or reconsideration if such is necessary.
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