What is Supplemental Security Income?
If you are disabled and unable to work for a period of at least twelve months and have minimal income and assets, you may be found to be disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
How Does the Process Work?
The process starts with you submitting an application for SSI benefits. Typically, this application can only be submitted over the phone due to the sensitive information required such as your current household income, current asset valuation, and information about any other financial assistance you may be receiving. The initial SSI application is then similar to the SSDI application, as it requests basic information about your current conditions, current treating sources, and current medications, as well as your work history and family size. SSA will then review your application, request all medical records you told them about, and make an initial determination.
If you are approved – congratulations! The process stops here, and SSA will be in touch for information on your current income and assets, as well as how to pay your benefits via direct deposit.
If you are denied, you will need to file a Request for Reconsideration within the first sixty days of the denial letter. SSA will once again review your file, pull any new medical evidence, and make another decision. If they approve it at this level, the process stops here and SSA will be in touch for the information on your current income and assets, as well as how to pay your benefits via direct deposit.
If you are denied at the reconsideration level, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the longest step in the process. At the end of this stage, you will have had an opportunity to present your case before a judge and they will make a decision.
It is recommended to have an attorney represent you at the hearing level, and attorney involvement before that phase is also often encouraged. As a client-focused attorney, Kaitlin does everything in her power to get your case approved at the earliest level possible – even if it means a reduced fee for her!
If you have been denied SSI benefits, call today at (904) 657-0579 for a free consultation and discussion about your case.