Privileges in Applying for SSI Benefits

The Supplemental Security Income program of the federal government is certainly an important tool in alleviating the suffering of those poor people who are greatly in need of financial support. This particular program aims to help those disabled, blind or 65 yrs. old above individuals with insufficient earnings and resources.

How to apply
Call the Social Security Administration office in your State and schedule an appointment with them. You may also personally visit their office anytime you find it comfortable but you may have to wait for your turn to be assisted by their personnel. You will then be asked to complete an application form and to submit it along with these documents depending on your case:

- Social Security Card or number

- Birth certificate or any legal documents that will prove your age

- Proofs of citizenship or alien status records

- Proofs of income such as payrolls, most recent tax returns

- Proofs of resources such as your bank statement of accounts, deeds of all your properties aside from the house you presently live, insurance policies, burial contracts, stocks, bonds and your vehicle registration

- Proof of living arrangements

- Medical records including the names, addresses and contact information of your attending doctors

- Employment record

It is important to bring original copies of such documents for verification. The SSA will return the copies after determining its authenticity. They will not accept photocopied documents.

When to apply
It is very much advisable to apply immediately after you have determined your qualification for SSI for you not to lose your benefits. The SSA will not reimburse any payments for such periods earlier than the date of your actual application. You should also know that your application would not be charged.

The SSA’s obligation
As the duly mandated government agency to handle the SSI program, the SSA has the duty to help you regarding the following tasks:

- completing your application forms based on the information that you would impart them

- gather the required documents in case you do not have them yet or you are having any difficulties in acquiring them

- pay for your medical examination in case you do not have money to spend for it (applicable for disabled or blind claimants)

Your right to representation
The law definitely allows you to hire the assistance of an experienced Social Security lawyer or representative to handle your SSI claim. This is very much favorable especially for those who do not have much time to spend in managing their cases or those who can hardly understand the procedures in filing.

Your right to be notified
The SSA or your lawyer has the obligation to notify you about the progress of your petition from time to time or if some important matters that occur in your case.

Your right to examine your file
You or your legal counsel may request a copy of the information about your case. However, they would not give you some confidential issues.

Your right to appeal
If you are unhappy about the decision of the SSA, you may still file an appeal for review of your case. This process includes three appeal levels.
Know the privileges you are entitled to as applicant of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim benefits with the help of Los Angeles Lawyers.

Rainier used to work in a publishing company as a writer and eventually became an associate editor. He dealt in writing instructional materials for secondary and tertiary students. His passion in writing inspired him to read a lot and subsequently enabled him to gain more knowledge and skills.