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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested federal disability program that is managed by the Social Security Administration. A disabled person who lacks a long enough work history to qualify for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may still be eligible for compensation through SSI. In this article, our Arizona Social Security disability attorney explains the key things that you need to know about qualifying for SSI.
An Overview of the SSI Financial Eligibility Requirements
Unlike SSDI, SSI has no work history requirement. You can file for SSI disability benefits in Arizona even if you have little or no work history. Instead, there are strict financial eligibility criteria. You can be denied SSI benefits if your income is too high or if your financial resources are too high. Here is an overview of the limits for SSI for 2022:
- Income: $841 per month per individual.
- Financial Resources: $2,000 per individual and $3,000 per married couple in countable assets.
Not everything that you own is a “countable asset” for the purposes of the SSI resource limit. Notably, a home (primary residence only) and one vehicle can be exempted from this calculation. For reference, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that 57 percent of SSI recipients have no income other than their SSI income.
An Overview of the SSI Medical Eligibility Requirements
Similar to SSDI, SSI also has strict medical eligibility requirements. The standard for proving disability status is effectively the same for both types of SSD claims. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, you must present comprehensive and accurate medical documentation that clearly establishes both the nature and severity of your injury, illness, or other medical impairment.
A significant portion of SSI claims are denied on “medical grounds.” With these cases, the SSA is essentially denying the claim because it has determined that the applicant has not proven that they have a qualifying disability. Make sure you put together an SSI disability application package that is well-supported by medical records.
You Do Not Have to Figure Out Eligibility Alone
Social Security disability claims are complicated—especially for those filing for benefits through the SSI program. If you have questions about your eligibility, you are certainly not alone. Do not assume that you are unqualified to receive benefits. If you are disabled and have limited or no income, you may be eligible for monthly financial assistance through SSI. An experienced Arizona Social Security disability lawyer can review your situation for free and help you determine if you qualify for SSI.
Contact Our Arizona Supplemental Security Income Attorney Today
At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, our Arizona Social Security disability lawyers have deep experience handling SSI claims. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your eligibility for benefits, we are more than happy to walk you through the process. Contact us now to arrange your no cost, fully confidential consultation with an attorney. We provide SSI and SSDI representation in Phoenix, Tucson, and throughout the whole State of Arizona.
