If your application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits was denied, a lawyer from our firm who serves Huntington, West Virginia could help you go after the monthly check you deserve.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) may deny disability benefits claims for several reasons, but you can work with someone who knows the rules. Let us help you file a claim or an appeal so you can focus on your health.
Do You need a Lawyer for Your Huntington SSI Claim?
The SSA does not require that you use an attorney on your case, but it can relieve you of handling a claim or appeal alone. Most people have never gone through the SSI claims process, so they are unlikely to know what the SSA looks for when reviewing applications.
If you do not fill out the form completely and correctly, the SSA will probably deny your request for a monthly check. Also, if you do not provide enough documentation to prove that your medical condition meets the SSA’s guidelines, it will likely reject your application. It can take months to appeal an adverse decision.
For a free legal consultation with a supplemental security income lawyer serving Huntington, call (972) 535-6377
Is SSI the Same Thing as SSDI?
No, SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two different programs, even though the SSA runs both programs. SSI and SSDI have different eligibility requirements.
SSI Requirements
SSI requires that a person have a significant impairment from a severe illness or injury that keeps him from being able to support himself through gainful employment. The medical condition must have already lasted or be expected to go on for at least 12 consecutive months or be likely to end in death.
Also, the successful SSI applicant must have little to no income and very few financial resources. SSI generally pays far less money than SSDI because the purpose of SSI is to be a safety net that keeps disabled people from being destitute.
SSDI Requirements
SSDI requires the same level of disability as SSI. SSDI also requires that the disabled person worked enough years at jobs that paid Social Security taxes as deductions from the worker’s paychecks. There is no limit on the amount of assets an SSDI recipient can have, but the applicant’s income cannot exceed the earnings limit for that year.
Huntington Supplemental Security Income Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Is There a Fast Track for Disability Benefits?
Yes, certain diseases can receive emergency benefit payments from the SSA without having to wait for the months of processing that typically happens with other applications. The SSA has two fast-track options:
- Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) identifies cases that involve medical conditions with a high likelihood of approval and have medical evidence the SSA can easily access.
- Compassionate Allowances (CAL) uses cutting-edge technology to recognize the most severe disabilities, including conditions like certain types of cancer and people on a waiting list for a heart transplant.
These initiatives are available for SSI or SSDI applicants and use the same rules for both programs.
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If You Receive a Denial for SSI Benefits
If the SSA denies your application for SSI benefits or awards you less money than you think you deserve, you have a right to appeal. Often, the SSA merely needs more information about one of these factors:
- Your medical condition
- What functions you can still perform with your illness or injury
- How much money you make
- The value of your financial assets
The SSA allows you to submit additional evidence, including medical records, with your appeal. One of the most important things to know is that you have very little time to file an appeal. If you miss the deadline, you can lose the right to get a review of the adverse decision.
Also, you must exhaust your administrative remedies. The SSA provides multiple levels of appeals for people who disagree with the SSA’s decisions. You must make your way through each of the review stages before you can file a lawsuit in federal court. If you go straight from the initial adverse decision or skip any of the review stages, you can lose your case.
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Can You Qualify for Both SSI and SSDI?
It is possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI but only if you satisfy the requirements of each program separately. A person who receives both SSI and SSDI would have to prove all of these factors:
- A severe physical or mental condition that prevents the individual from earning a living;
- The inability to work any type of job to support himself;
- Enough work credits (Social Security taxes paid out of paychecks) based on the age at which the applicant became disabled;
- Little or no income; and
- Few financial resources.
Many people qualify for either SSI or SSDI, but not both.
We Can Help You Build a Strong Case or, if Necessary, a Strong Appeal
A Supplemental Security Income lawyer at Underwood Law Office can evaluate your situation and tell you if you meet the guidelines to qualify for SSI benefits. If you already submitted your application and disagree with the SSA’s decision, an attorney can explore whether you are likely to get benefits if you appeal. Many people have to go through more than one level of appeal to get SSI benefits.
If you have not yet filed your application for SSI benefits, Underwood Law Office can assist you in building a strong case for the benefits you deserve. Usually, the quickest way to get SSI benefits is to send in an application that has all of the information the SSA needs to determine your eligibility.
Get Legal Help With an Attorney for Your Huntington SSI Case Today
At Underwood Law Office, we treat our clients with respect and dignity. We work tirelessly to take the weight of the claims or appeals process off of our clients’ shoulders.
You can call us today to find out how our lawyers can help you with your Huntington Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form