Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorneys in Hettick, IL
SSI Lawyers in Hettick, IL
SSI lawyers in Hettick, IL. Drummond Law offers representation to people across Illinois and Missouri. As some of the most vulnerable members of our society, the sick and elderly deserve benefits to live comfortably. If you or a loved one are 65+ years old, blind, or disabled, Drummond Law wants to help make the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) process easier for you.
You need the help of an SSI lawyer to protect your rights at every step—from starting the enrollment process to any issues with denial of benefits and beyond. Drummond Law’s Hettick SSI lawyers can manage many different case types. Don’t wait to get in touch with one of our Social Security lawyers in Hettick, IL, to get started.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Hettick?
Disability or old age may make it challenging to comfortably maintain financial independence. Fortunately, for millions across the United States, part of our social security safety net is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a program that is generally needs-based and intended for low-income people of different ages.
Unlike Social Security Disability in which you are required to earn work credits through FICA payroll tax contributions, SSI comes from general fund taxes and not from the Social Security trust fund; therefore, eligibility for this type of benefits is based on age, disability, assets, and income.
To enroll in Supplemental Security Income, you or a loved one must qualify as the following:
Limited/no income and resources
- Less than $2,000 in assets
- Less than $3,000 in assets for a couple
Disability (any age)
- The individual has a medical ailment that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability – commonly approved disabilities include muscular dystrophy, HIV, intellectual disabilities, low birth rates, and other conditions
- The individual is unable to do the work that they did before they became disabled
- The individual is unable to adjust to other work because of their medical condition(s)
- The individual’s disability is expected to last for at least one year or be a permanent condition
OR 65 years or older
OR blindness (any age)
You may also receive benefits on behalf of a disabled spouse, parent, or child. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, one of the most common uses of SSI is for the parents of disabled children so that they get the help they need to support the disabled child as well as the rest of the family. For additional benefits, SSI may be combined with other social services such as Medicaid, food stamps, and Social Security Disability.
The payout amount varies from year to year, but the maximum monthly payment to claimants in the year 2020 is around $783 for an eligible individual and around $1,175 for a couple. This can depend on many factors, so get in touch with an SSI lawyer about your current situation to find out how much your monthly amount could be valued.
To learn more or if you have any issues receiving your SSI benefit payments, contact our Social Security lawyers in Hettick, IL, today for more information.
The Difference Between SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The key difference between these two types of Social Security programs is that Social Security Disability Insurance determination is dependent upon whether or not you have a disability as well as work credits accrued; meanwhile, SSI determination is dependent upon your disability/age and limited resources.
Moreover, SSDI is meant for individuals who are considered “insured” because they have worked for years and made contributions to the Social Security trust fund through FICA payroll taxes. However, we know that not everyone has the time to build up these work credits over years. We believe that this does not mean that they don’t deserve assistance to help them live sufficiently, which is why it’s our goal that every person gets the help that they need.
If you have not paid enough—or any at all—into the Social Security system to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible to apply for SSI. The SSA will have final discretion in determining whether to award benefits. They will review your income and resources and determine what benefits, if any, may be available to you.
You may also qualify for both types of benefits at once. Let us help determine the best option for your case, and help you with every step of the appropriate application process. Contact our Hettick, IL, SSI lawyers to get started.
How to File for Social Security Benefits With the Help of an SSI Attorney in Hettick, IL
Many people contact a lawyer only after being denied social security, but our firm believes in preserving your time from the start. If a disability is hindering your ability to pay bills and other essential expenses, it is essential that you start receiving benefits as soon as possible, and our involvement can help you avoid a potentially lengthy appeals process.
There are many advantages to getting one of our Hettick attorneys involved in the complicated SSI process from the beginning. At Drummond Law, we will:
- Determine whether you can apply for SSI benefits and any other programs
- Help you properly fill out the paperwork, positioning you for the best chance at approval
- Interpret the complicated language of the paperwork and ensure you understand all information about the staus of your claim
- Gather and submit all supporting documentation and medical records regarding your condition
- File an appeal on your behalf if your claim is denied
- Represent you before an administrative law judge (ALJ) if your case requires an appeals hearing
- File a lawsuit on your behalf to obtain the benefits to which you are entitled
- Handle all communication with the Social Security Administration
What Can I Do If I Have Been Denied SSI Benefits?
If your claim for SSI has been denied, do not give up— many first-time applicants are denied. For instance, 65% of initial applications are denied nationwide, with 64% denied overall in both Illinois and Missouri. The single biggest mistake people make is neglecting to appeal within the appropriate time period or even at all. Your chances of approval increases dramatically with an appeals process.
If you’ve been denied SSI benefits, the first thing you should do is speak to the Hettick lawyers at Drummond Law to fight for a full and fair hearing. We understand the complex SSI laws and rules, how the Social Security Administration operates, and how to get you the benefits you need to live comfortably. Let us help protect your rights.
Hire Our Social Security Lawyers | Contact Drummond Law
Our lawyers know how difficult it can be to wait for benefits, especially at a time when you might need them most. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been known for combining experience and dedication in the toughest legal battles. Feel free to contact our Hettick, IL, SSI lawyers today to file for benefits, appeal a denial, or any other issues regarding your claim.