Being left unable to earn a living after suffering an injury or illness can be devastating, especially if you and your family’s future could depend on this income. Fortunately, those who are unable to work because of a medical condition may qualify for SSI benefits.
There is no past work requirement for SSI, so you may qualify for this program if you have never worked. However, there are still strict medical and asset requirements for Marietta SSI claims, so you could benefit from the guidance of a skilled legal advocate. An experienced Social Security disability law firm can help you submit an initial application, appeal any denials, and fight for your benefits every step of the way.
SSI, which stands for Supplemental Security Income, is an income supplement program that provides benefits to people who are left unable to work because of a medical condition. To obtain benefits, though, a person must first pursue a successful claim.
This can begin with completing an application online or in person at a local Social Security office, which would demand detailed personal information such as medical history, a list of day-to-day activities, work history, and residual functionality. To have the best chance at a successful Marietta SSI claim, an applicant should enlist the help of a hearing claims advocate to have all this information prepared before even starting an application.
Many people suffer from temporary medical conditions that leave them unable to work for some time, and others have permanent conditions that do not allow them to work in their chosen professions. Unfortunately, neither temporary nor chronic medical conditions qualify as disabilities under Social Security’s strict set of guidelines.
Instead, an applicant must have a “severe” medical condition that limits their ability to do any basic work activity for a period of at least 12 months. While Social Security has a list of impairments that details which conditions are automatic qualifiers for SSI, most other people must convince Social Security or a judge that their conditions combined with their skills leave them unable to perform any job on a full-time basis.
Only people who have no other sources of income in their family can qualify for SSI, as it is a means-based program. Additionally, if a person has any assets that they may sell to support themselves, Social Security would typically not grant a request for payment.
When it comes to qualification for benefits, Social Security limits disposable assets to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for married couples, and SSI is designed to be a last resort. An experienced legal representative could help an applicant understand the income and asset requirements for a successful SSI claim in Marietta.
If you are unable to work because of a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI benefits. However, obtaining benefits can be a complex process and involves providing information about your medical condition, work history, physical functionality, and mental processes. Additionally, you may have to wait for months or even years to obtain benefits.
A compassionate legal advocate could help increase the chances for a successful and quick claim by assisting you in submitting the required paperwork, gathering the necessary documentation, and arguing a case before a judge if necessary. Call today to learn more about Marietta SSI claims.