Fair Oaks SSI Benefits Lawyer
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Fair Oaks SSI Benefits Attorney
There are many different avenues you can take to get government-assisted financial help, especially if you are elderly or dealing with a life-altering disability. One such method provided by the Social Security Administration is Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. For more information on how to apply, speak to a Fair Oaks SSI benefits lawyer as soon as you can.
It’s not uncommon for your SSI benefits application to be denied multiple times. People who are unfamiliar with what the SSA looks for in approvable applications often make seemingly minor errors that could cost them their benefits. If you’ve never done this before, you may not even be aware that you’ve made any mistakes at all. With the help of the right law firm, you can start working on your appeal and ensure that your next application is successful.
At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we’ve helped many clients obtain SSI benefits in the past, and we’re prepared to do the same for you. Our experienced attorneys know how to craft an effective application.
What Exactly Is Supplemental Security Income?
Supplemental Security Income, also called SSI benefits, is a federally funded financial stability program that’s controlled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The intent behind SSI benefits is to provide certain qualifying applicants with monthly financial assistance to give them some stability as they adjust to life with a disability or to their advanced age.
SSI benefits can help qualifying applicants with basic essentials like food, shelter, and clothing. The amount you may receive is not a fixed rate but rather dependent on your situation and individual needs.
There are multiple factors that would reduce the amount you might receive in SSI benefits every month. For instance, if you are in a committed relationship, such as a marriage or domestic partnership, with somebody who is already willing to help you with monthly expenses, the amount you may receive would likely be reduced significantly. If your spouse has a substantial income, you may not receive any benefits at all.
SSI benefits are intended to help certain people who are unable to support themselves. It’s a financial safety net that the SSA provides to those who qualify. An experienced SSI benefits lawyer can inform you of everything you would need to know in order to start working on your application.
Meeting Eligibility Criteria
To be strongly considered for SSI benefits, you need to meet all the required eligibility criteria so the SSA knows you’re not trying to take advantage of the program in some way. To meet SSI eligibility standards, you must be at least 65 years old, suffer from blindness, or have a disability that keeps you from holding gainful employment. Additional requirements include a limited income, U.S. citizenship, and U.S. residency.
You may want to keep in mind that there are multiple forms of governmental assistance provided by the SSA. If you qualify for SSI, you may qualify for something else, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If you are receiving SSI, that doesn’t necessarily stop you from getting other forms of assistance.
Applying for SSI Benefits
If you want to apply for SSI benefits, there are multiple routes you can take. You can apply online on the Social Security Administration’s website, call them and apply over the phone, or visit your local SSA office and work with one of the SSA agents there. If this is your first time applying for something like this, the process can feel overwhelming and tedious. It’s recommended that you consult with an SSI lawyer before starting.
Having a good lawyer by your side throughout this process can give you peace of mind that you are doing everything the right way. You can run everything by your lawyer to ensure things are progressing smoothly and you haven’t made any costly mistakes with your application. The application process can start to feel very involved and personal, as you will need to disclose a great deal of your medical history and documentation regarding your disability.
Documentation Needed for Your SSI Application
To move forward with your application, you will also need to gather pay stubs for proof of income, proof of your U.S. citizenship, bank statements, and any relevant documents that your benefits agent requests to finalize your application. Throughout this whole process, your lawyer will provide you with anything you need to stay focused and move forward. Once your application is properly submitted, the SSA will take their time to inform you of their decision.
Regardless of whether your application has been approved or denied, it may take quite some time to hear back from the SSA regarding their decision. Even if your application was filled out correctly with no errors, it may take months. If you left out important information, it may take even longer. By hiring an experienced SSI benefits lawyer, you are taking the proper steps to make sure you don’t leave out anything vital in your application.
When the SSA reaches out to you with their decision, and it’s a denial, your lawyer will go through everything that was submitted to determine exactly why your application was denied. Submitting your appeal can make your case even longer, but it’s a total necessity if you want to make sure you get your benefits. If your application is never approved, there won’t be any benefits.
Reach Out to an SSI Benefits Lawyer Today
Applying for SSI benefits is not an easy process, and it can be even harder if you are also adjusting to life with a newfound disability. The last thing you may want to deal with right now is worrying about government paperwork. However, hiring a skilled Fair Oaks lawyer can allow you to put someone else in charge of your application and give you the time you need to adjust to a new normal.
At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we can give you the tools you need to succeed in receiving your SSI benefits. Contact us to speak with a team member about what we can do for you and your case.
