Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorneys in O’Fallon, IL
SSI Lawyers in O’Fallon, IL
SSI lawyers in O’Fallon, IL. Drummond Law offers guidance to people across Illinois and Missouri. The elderly and disabled are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, which is why it is important to us that they get the help that they need. 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 safeguard your rights at every step—from starting the enrollment process to appealing a denial and beyond. Drummond Law’s O’Fallon SSI lawyers can manage a vast amount of case types. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Social Security lawyers in O’Fallon, IL, to get started.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in O’Fallon?
Some circumstances, such as age or a disability, may make it hard to comfortably maintain financial independence. Fortunately, part of our social security safety net here in the United States is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a program that is generally needs-based and intended for low-income Americans of different ages.
Unlike Social Security Disability in which you need 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 SSI, 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 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, intellectual disabilities, low birth rates, HIV, and other conditions
- The individual is not able to do the work that they did before becoming disabled
- The individual is unable to adjust to other work because of their medical condition(s)
- The individual’s disability is expected to endure for at least one year or be terminal
OR 65 years or older
OR blindness (any age)
You can 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 food stamps, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability.
The payout amount varies from year to year, but the maximum monthly payment to claimants in the year 2020 is up to $783 for an eligible individual and up to $1,175 for a couple. This may depend on a variety of factors, so speak to an SSI lawyer about your current situation to find out how much your monthly amount might be valued.
To learn more or if you have any problems receiving your SSI benefit payments, contact our Social Security lawyers in O’Fallon, IL, today for more information.
The Difference Between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The main difference between these two types of Social Security programs is that SSDI determination is based on whether or not you have a disability and work credits accrued; meanwhile, SSI determination is dependent upon your disability/age and limited resources.
Furthermore, SSDI is meant for people who are considered “insured” because they’ve worked for years and contributed to the Social Security trust fund through FICA payroll taxes. However, not everyone has the opportunity to build up these work credits because it could take years. We believe that this does not mean that they don’t deserve assistance to help them live comfortably, which is why it’s our mission here at Drummond Law that every individual gets the help that they need.
If you have not paid enough—or any at all—into the Social Security system to adequately qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible to receive SSI. The Social Security Administration has final discretion in determining whether or not to award benefits. They will review your resources and income to determine the benefits that may be available to you.
You may also qualify for both types of benefits at once. We can help determine the best course of action for your case, as well as help you with every step of the appropriate application process. Contact our O’Fallon, IL, SSI lawyers to get started.
Filing for Social Security Benefits With the Help of an SSI Lawyer in O’Fallon, IL
Many people contact a lawyer only after being denied benefits, but our firm believes in preserving your time from the start. If a disability is affecting your ability to pay bills and other essential expenses, it is critical that you start receiving benefits as soon as possible, and the involvement of our O’Fallon attorneys can help you avoid a potentially lengthy appeals process.
There are many benefits to getting one of our O’Fallon attorneys involved in the complex SSI process as soon as possible. At Drummond Law, we will:
- Determine whether you are eligible for SSI benefits as well as 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 files on your condition
- File an appeal on your behalf if your claim is denied
- Represent you before an administrative law judge (ALJ) should your case require a hearing
- File a lawsuit on your behalf to obtain the benefits you need
- Be right by your side when dealing 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 example, 65% of initial applications are denied nationwide, with 64% denied overall in both Illinois and Missouri. The worst 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 to talk to the O’Fallon lawyers at Drummond Law to seek a full and fair hearing. We understand the complicated SSI laws and regulations, how the Social Security Administration operates, and how to get you the benefits you need to live comfortably. Let us help safeguard your rights.
Hire Our Social Security Lawyers | Contact Drummond Law
Our lawyers know how difficult it can be to wait for benefits, especially at times when you so desperately need them. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been known for combining experience and dedication in the most challenging legal battles. Don’t hesitate to contact our O’Fallon, IL, SSI lawyers today to file for SSI, appeal a denial, or any other issues regarding your claim.