SSI – Supplemental Security Income

What is SSI – Supplemental Security Income?

Along with Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income disability is our lawyers’ main practice area. SSI is a government program designed to help older, blind and/or disabled individuals, as well as children with disabilities, who have little or no income and cannot work. It is meant to offer assistance for basic needs – food, shelter and clothing.

It follows the same standards in terms of whether a person is disabled as Social Security Disability. However, this program is funded by federal tax revenue, not Social Security taxes. It is a means based program, and is not based on the Social Security taxes that you have paid into the system.

Qualifying for SSI – Social Security Income

You may have a limited income and still qualify for some SSI – Social Security Income benefits, but there are limits as to how much you can make, and limits as to the assets you can have. These income limitations vary depending on your marital status, whether you have children, and the source of your income. The asset restrictions generally allow for one house that you live in and one car. Beyond that, you’re typically limited to $2000 ($3000 for couples) in assets, including:

  • Cash, on hand or in the bank
  • Land or real property (other than the exception for one house)
  • Retirement accounts
  • Stocks
  • Life insurance
  • Any other assets that could be converted to cash and used for food or shelter

Let Smith Godios Sorensen Inc. Help You Determine If You Qualify

The qualifications and application process can be complicated and confusing. We can help you determine what benefits you may be eligible for, we can help you fill out and submit the appropriate applications, and we can help you appeal any denial of benefits. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 877-351-2086.  Our disability attorneys regularly represent disability clients at Court in Akron, Ohio but our clients also come from the surrounding areas of Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Stow, Norton, Wadsworth, Medina, Green, Fairlawn, Richfield, New Franklin, Canton, Kent, Massillon, Ravenna, Rootstown, Tallmadge, Uniontown, Canal Fulton, Brunswick, and Wooster.