Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorneys in Palmer, IL
SSI Lawyers in Palmer, IL
SSI lawyers in Palmer, IL. Drummond Law provides guidance to individuals 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 is ready to help make the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program 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 Palmer SSI lawyers can handle many different case types. Never hesitate to get in touch with one of our Social Security lawyers in Palmer, IL, to get started.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Palmer?
Some circumstances, such as age or a disability, may make it challenging 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 federal program that’s generally needs-based and intended for low-income Americans of different ages.
Unlike Social Security Disability in which you are required to earn work credits through FICA payroll tax contributions, SSI is funded by general fund taxes and not from the Social Security trust fund; therefore, eligibility for benefits is based on disability, age, income, and assets.
To enroll in SSI, you or a loved one must qualify as the following:
Limited/no income or 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 not able to perform the work that they did before becoming disabled
- The individual is not able 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 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 SSI payout amount may vary from year to year, but the maximum monthly payment to claimants in the year 2020 is up to $783 for an eligible individual and around $1,175 for a couple. This can depend on a variety of factors, so get in touch with 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 concerns about receiving your SSI benefit payments, contact our Social Security lawyers in Palmer, IL, today for more information.
What is 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 limited resources and disability/age.
Moreover, SSDI is meant for people who are considered “insured” because they’ve 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 doesn’t mean that they do not deserve assistance to help them live sufficiently, 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 apply for SSI. The Social Security Administration will have significant discretion in determining whether or not to award benefits. They will review your income and resources and 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, and help you with every step of the appropriate application process. Contact our Palmer, IL, SSI lawyers to get started.
How to File for Social Security Benefits With the Help of an SSI Attorney in Palmer, 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 impacting your ability to pay bills and other essential expenses, it is essential that you begin receiving benefits as soon as possible, and the involvement of our Palmer attorneys can help you avoid a potentially lengthy appeals process.
There are many advantages to getting one of our Palmer attorneys involved in the complex SSI process as soon as possible. At Drummond Law, we will:
- Determine whether you can apply 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 pertinent info about your claim
- Gather and submit all supporting documentation and medical files regarding your condition
- File an appeal on your behalf if your application is denied
- Represent you in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ) if your case requires a hearing
- File a lawsuit on your behalf to obtain the benefits to which you are entitled
- Be right by your side when dealing with the Social Security Administration
What To Do If You Have Been Denied SSI Benefits
If your application for SSI has been denied, do not panic— many first-time applicants are denied. For instance, 65% of initial applications are denied nationwide, with 64% denied overall in both Missouri and Illinois. The single biggest mistake people make is failing to appeal within the correct time period or even at all. Your chances of approval may increase dramatically after filing an appeal.
If you’ve been denied SSI benefits, the first thing you should do is to talk to the Palmer lawyers at Drummond Law to fight for 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 maximum amount of benefits to which you are entitled. We want to help protect your rights.
Hire a Social Security Lawyer | Contact Drummond Law
We know how challenging 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 dedication and experience in the most challenging legal battles. Don’t hesitate to contact our Palmer, IL, SSI lawyers today to file for benefits, appeal a denial, or any other concerns regarding your claim.