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How To Determine Eligibility For Social Security Income (SSI) Benefits

Scott J. Sternberg Associates P.A West Palm Beach

Are you over the age of sixty-five and currently collecting Social Security benefits? Are you trying to determine if you qualify for supplemental social security income? If so, you may need to enlist in some professional and legal assistance to ensure that your claim for additional benefits is secured and granted. Here is some additional information you need to know about social security benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD) are both income assistance programs administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA), which are federally funded. Therefore, eligibility for SSI can depend on several criteria before benefits are granted to an individual.

Are you eligible for SSI in Florida?

So how does one determine if he or she is eligible for SSI? Each state has its own policies and laws pertaining to social security benefits as well as eligibility requirements. For example, for eligible recipients, the state of Florida adds to the federal SSI payment with a state supplement.

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To find out if you or a loved one will qualify for SSI benefits, one must include the following:

  • Aged 65 or older
  • Statutory blindness
  • Medical or emotional impairment meeting criteria for disability under the definition of the Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • U.S. citizen or eligible alien

In addition, the SSA will also look at the following accounts and assets to determine eligibility requirements, as applicable:

  • Access to limited income and resources
  • Bank and investment accounts
  • Stocks and retirement accounts
  • Real estate
  • Cash
  • Spousal income and assets

What if you are denied SSI benefits?

If an individual or family member receives a letter from the SSA indicating that an individual does not meet the eligibility requirements for SSI benefits, individuals and families still have the right right to appeal the decision. At this time, it is a good idea to alert an experienced legal counsel in overseeing cases related to SSI benefits. You will have sixty days after receiving a denial letter to request an appeal or reconsideration. This process includes:

  • Reconsideration
  • Hearing
  • Appeals Council review
  • Federal court

As with any Social Security matter on appeal, working with a licensed attorney is not necessary, but it can significantly increase the possibility of being granted and retaining social security (SSI) benefits. In addition, working with an experienced and trustworthy financial attorney that is also understanding and compassionate to individuals and families can also alleviate elderly folks and their families’ financial worries and to ensure that their loved ones receive the benefits and rights to supplemental income as needed and deserved.

Social Security Disability Attorney Florida

If you or a family member has additional questions regarding eligibility requirements for SSI, or if you were recently denied benefits, don’t hesitate to contact the legal team at Scott J. Sternberg and Associates at 561-687-5660 for a free case evaluation. Clients are also welcome to stop by one our offices located in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, or Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience serving and representing individuals and families who need social security benefits, we strive to provide the utmost excellence in service and legal representation, and devote our time and resources to every case, because we believe no two individuals and cases are the same. Our goal is to achieve the benefits you need and to which you are entitled.

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