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SSI Benefits-who is Eligible and How do I apply?SSI benefits are potentially payable to both adults and children. SSI disability is based on need. Consequently, both children and adults may be entitled to receive disability benefits under this program. Contrary to Social Security disability, which is based strictly on the insured status of the working individual and the determination that they are, in fact, medically disabled, SSI does have non-medical criteria that must be met in order for a person to be entitled to monetary benefits. How do you apply for SSI benefits for yourself, or your child? All Social Security disability programs require a disability interview. You must contact Social Security to schedule an appointment for a disability interview. Contacting your local Social Security office, or calling the toll free Social Security number can accomplish this. Once you have your disability interview appointment scheduled, you may be wondering what type of information Social Security will need to process your (or your child’s) application for SSI benefits. Since Supplemental Security Income is based upon need, you will need to bring in information about your income and resources. Currently, individuals applying for SSI disability are entitled to have countable assets totaling two thousand dollars, if single, and three thousand dollars for a couple. What does Social Security view as a resource or asset? Social Security considers land or property other than the property you live on as a resource, insurance policies that have cash value, vehicles (cars, boats, etc), cash, stocks, bonds, and other sellable items as countable resources. The SSI program also considers income such as veteran’s benefits, long term or short term disability benefits, and any type of wages payable to you or your spouse when determining your (or your child’s) eligibility for Supplemental Security income. Keeping this in mind, what does Social Security require as a verification of income and resources? When you come to your interview, you will need to be able to provide information about your vehicles, bank accounts, investment information, life insurance policies, burial funds, and payroll information. If you meet the income and resource qualifications of SSI, the claims representative will review your medical sources such as doctors, hospitals, and clinics where you have received treatment. Additionally, Social Security will need information about your work activity prior to becoming disabled to work, and your educational background. Once Social Security has gathered all of your medical information, your SSI claim will be sent to a state disability processing agency for a medical decision to be made. Once a medical decision is made your SSI claim, it will be sent back to your local Social Security Office. If the medical decision was an allowance (an approval), you will be called in for an backend interview. This interview is used to determine your living arrangements and if you still meet the income and resource limits of the SSI disability program. For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.
A few words about Elder Law 
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