Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). Sometimes known as The Safety Net,” it is a needs-based program that helps aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income and do not have enough recent work credits to qualify for SSDI. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Social Security uses the same definition of disability that is used to determine eligibility for SSDI. Only a total disability qualifies. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

Disability under Social Security is based on your inability to work because of a mental or physical impairment. They consider you disabled if:

• You cannot do work you did before and they decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of a medical condition(s).
• Your disability must last or be expected to last for at least a year or result in death.

You are not at a good place in your life if you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Unfortunately, as with many things in life, your situation can get worse before it gets better.

Applying for this benefit, regardless of the severity of your medical condition, does not guaranty success. In fact a majority of claims are denied at the first two steps in the process. Many of those initial determinations are wrong and can ultimately be corrected.

A cynic would say the system is designed to cause people to give up along the way. Regardless of the reason, the reality is that it can take close to two years from the time you apply for your benefits to the time you are approved.

You can find more information at www.ssa.gov or www.nosscr.org.

Please contact me if you need help.