The Differences Between Supplemental Security Income and Disability Insurance Benefits

There is a major difference between Supplemental Security Income and Disability Insurance Benefits. SSI is meant to provide funding for basic needs such as shelter, clothing, and food for people that are disabled and have little to no income and resources. These monthly benefits are given to people with limited resources that are blind, disabled, over the age of sixty-five, and disabled children from low-income households.  Disability Insurance Benefits are paid to disabled individuals who have worked and paid taxes over the years, and their payment amount depends on their prior earnings. Claimants can apply for SSI or DIB benefits by submitting an SSI or DIB Disability application in NC.

SSI Is Different from Disability Insurance Benefits

While SSI benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI benefits do not require and are not based on the recipient’s prior work history or a family member’s prior work history. In other words, no prior employment or taxes paid are required to qualify for SSI benefits. The maximum SSI monthly benefit amount is $721 per month in 2014. The SSI monthly benefit amount is set by the federal government and is increased over the years when there is a cost of living adjustment.

Qualifications for Supplemental Security Income Benefits

In order to qualify for SSI benefits, a person must prove that they are disabled, blind, or are at least sixty-five years of age, and have little to no income or support from outside resources. SSI applicants must prove that they have little to no income and resources, which means: only one home that they live in, one car, and less than $2,000 in resources. You must also be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. Proving both financial eligibility and residency eligibility may require both financial documentation and documents supporting the applicant’s legal permanent resident status or citizenship.

The Challenge Of Filling In An SSI Disability Application

The SSI Disability application, appeals, and hearing process can be difficult to complete alone. You can make sure you have the best possible chance of proving that you meet the SSI requirements by hiring a professional Fayetteville SSI lawyer to guide you in completing the application, the appeals, and representing you at a hearing. They understand all of the detailed information that needs to be included and is capable of helping you acquire all of the necessary income and resource documents you will need. Since SSI is only provided to disabled people with no income, in order to continue to receive such benefits, you must continually prove you need the assistance, and provide supporting documentation. A Fayetteville SSI attorney can help you navigate this process.

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Clauson

Clauson Law has focused on representing the injured and disabled for over 10 years. We have handled thousands of cases. Each client is important to us and has a unique situation.