SSI Attorneys in Foley, AL

Supplemental Security Income provides financial support to those who have limited income and resources. To qualify, individuals or couples must meet strict requirements and go through an extensive application process.

Applying for SSI in Foley, AL can be stressful, but the end result is worth it. A successful application can help you get the funds you need for food, rent, and more. For help with your SSI application or appeal, contact Walton Law at 251-455-5819.

Who Qualifies for SSI?

Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income in Foley fit into one of three categories:

• Aged 65 or older
• Blind
• Disabled

Qualifying via one of the first two requirements is simple, but qualifying via disability is a bit more complicated. To be considered disabled for SSI, you must have a significant mental or physical impairment that leaves you unable to engage in substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in your death.

One of the benefits of working with an SSI lawyer in Foley, AL is benefiting from their knowledge of what the SSA looks for in an SSI application. The more documentation your provide of your disability, the more likely it is that your application will go through successfully.

Those with very serious disabilities may be able to qualify more quickly via Compassionate Allowance. This provides quick access to funds for those with certain cancers, brain disorders, and rare pediatric disorders, limiting the wait time between application and receipt of funds.

Income and Resource Requirements

In addition to meeting one of the qualifications above, you must fall below certain income and resource limits. If you earn a high enough income or have substantial resources at your disposal, the SSA expects you to live off that income or sell those resources and use the funds before you receive SSI.

The Social Security Administration considers wages, Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment, money from friends, and other money as income. There are many types of earnings that do not impact your ability to qualify for SSI.

Figuring out whether or not your resources disqualify you can be a challenge for many people, as the SSA has a long list of resources that do count against your SSI benefits and those that do not. Resources that are counted against you include:

• Cash on hand
• Bank accounts
• Land, with the exception of a family home you live in
• Vehicles, with the exception of one vehicle you use to get around
• Life insurance

Resources that do not count against you include:

• Household goods
• Personal effects, including sentimental items like wedding rings
• Burial plots
• Life insurance policies worth $1,500 or less
• Property you use to work
• Money in an ABLE account

An individual applying for SSI can have up to $2,000 in resources before they cannot receive SSI. A couple applying for SSI can have up to $3,000 in resources before they are disqualified.

SSI Payment Amounts

Payment amounts are determined each year, based on the previous year’s payment amounts and changes in the cost of living. As of January 2020, an individual living alone or who fully pays for their share of food and housing costs receives $783 per month. A couple in the same situation receives $1,175 per month.

An individual living in someone else’s home without paying their share of living expenses receives $522 monthly, and a couple in that situation receives $783.34 monthly.

Anyone living in a Medicaid institution who receives SSI is paid $30 per month.

These amounts vary, depending on your specific situation. For example, those who earn an income may have their payments decreased in proportion to their wages. Additionally, Alabama does offer supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, this program is run by the state and not the federal government.

Applying for SSI and Handling Denials

Submitting a strong application is essential if you want to avoid delays and the complications of a denial letter. Applications can be submitted online or in person. Be prepared to gather substantial documentation. You’ll need to prove your identity with a birth certificate, Social Security card, or other documents showing proof of your age and where you were born.

You will also be expected to provide documentation of any income you hav received in the past year. This may include payroll stubs if you are conventionally employed or a tax return if you are self-employed. Along the same lines, you must have documentation of the resources you have and their values.

Other documents you may need to gather include:

• Proof of your current living arrangements
• Medical documentation showing that you are blind or disabled
• Work history

A misstep at this stage can lead to a denial, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix. It’s particularly frustrating for those who need SSI to meet their basic needs.

Hiring an SSI lawyer in Foley, AL can help you avoid delays and common missteps. At Walton Law, we focus exclusively on SSI and SSD cases. As a result, we have an in-depth knowledge of what it takes to prove your disability and submit the strongest application possible. If you work with us during the application process, we will ensure that you have the necessary original documents (or approved copies), extensive documentation of your medical needs and disability, and verifiable proof of your living arrangement.

If you come to us after a denial, don’t worry. Many people think that a denial is the end of the road for their SSI application. However, thanks to our experience in SSI and SSD cases, we know the common reasons for application denial and we can move quickly through the appeal process. Bring your application and all associated documentation to us, and we will find weak spots in your application and help you fix them.

Let Walton Law Help You With Your SSI Claim

Are you looking for help with your Foley, AL SSI claim? Turn to Walton Law. We understand how important it is that you get the money you need to live, and our goal is to help you get the benefits you deserve. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 251-455-5819 or contacting us online.