Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorneys in Shipman, IL
SSI Lawyers in Shipman, IL
SSI lawyers in Shipman, 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 wants 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 Shipman SSI lawyers can manage many different case types. Don’t wait to contact one of our Social Security lawyers in Shipman, IL, to get started.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Shipman?
Disability or old age 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 varying 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 disability, age, income, and assets.
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 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 disability
- The individual’s disability is expected to endure 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 child, spouse, or parent. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, one of the most common uses of SSI is for the parent of a disabled child to get the help they need to support the disabled child and the rest of the family. For additional benefits, SSI could also 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 up to $783 for an eligible individual and up to $1,175 for a couple. This can depend on a variety of factors, so speak to an SSI lawyer about your current situation to find out how much your payout 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 Shipman, 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 based on whether you have a disability as well as 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 made contributions 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 do not deserve assistance to help them live comfortably, which is why it is important to us that every individual gets the help that they need.
If you have not paid enough—or any at all—into the Social Security trust fund in order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may still be eligible to receive SSI. The SSA will have significant 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. Let us help determine the best option for your case, as well as help you with every step of the appropriate application process. Contact our Shipman, IL, SSI lawyers to get started.
Filing for Social Security Benefits With the Help of an SSI Lawyer in Shipman, 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 affecting your ability to pay bills and other essential expenses, it’s critical that you begin receiving benefits as soon as possible, and the involvement of our Shipman attorneys can help you avoid a potentially lengthy appeals process.
There are many advantages to getting one of our Shipman 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
- Fill out the forms for you so that you have 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 secure 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 application for SSI has been denied, do not panic— 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 single biggest mistake people make is neglecting to appeal within the appropriate 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 Shipman lawyers at Drummond Law to fight for a full and fair hearing. We understand the complex SSI laws and regulations, how the Social Security Administration works, and how to get you the benefits you need to live comfortably. We want to help protect your rights.
Hire Our Social Security Lawyers | 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 experience and dedication in the most challenging legal battles. Don’t hesitate to contact our Shipman, IL, SSI lawyers today to file for benefits, appeal a denial, or any other concerns regarding your claim.