SSI Benefits - what do they include and how long does it takeSocial Security administers a need based program known as Supplemental Security Income, or, more commonly, as SSI. SSI disability requires that an individual meet certain resource and income limits, before being eligible to receive monetary disability benefits. What is considered a resource under Supplemental Security Income rules? Vehicles (cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, etc.), land (other than the land you live on and including any land you own that is connected to the land your home is located upon), cash, jewelry, antiques, stocks, bonds, trusts, etc. Basically a resource is any item that can be converted to cash. What are the asset, or resource, limits for SSI? The resource limits are $2000.00 for an individual and $3000.00 for a couple. Additionally, the SSI disability program considers the following as income: pensions, veteran's benefits, rental income, unemployment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and earnings from work. Generally, income limits change yearly. Now that we have discussed some non-medical qualifying information about SSI disability, what are the benefits of the program? SSI offers monetary benefits to both children and adults, if they are found disabled under Social Security Disability rules and guidelines. The medical determination process for Social Security Disability and SSI disability are the same. As with Social Security Disability, SSI claims are sent the state agency responsible for processing Social Security Disability medical determinations (usually known as DDS, or disability determination services). If a claimant's initial SSI disability claim is denied, they will have to begin the appeal process. Of course, you may be wondering what the SSI appeal process involves? The SSI (and Social Security Disability) appeal process begins with the reconsideration appeal level and potentially can be taken through the Federal Court system. However, the appeal process usually ends with a disability hearing conducted by an administrative law judge. Of course, a few individuals who are denied at at a disability hearing take the step of appealing the administrative law judge's decision. They do this by appealing through the Appeals Council and even Federal Court. However an appeal to Federal Court level is rare. As you can see, it may take months or even years to receive a SSI disability benefits approval, since not all disability claims are allowed once the appeal process is completed. Some individuals may have to complete the disability appeals process more than once to receive an approval, and some may never receive an approval. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How many times can I apply for disability in NC? SSI Disability - Filing for SSI Benefits How much time does it take to get an SSI Decision? What Benefits come with SSI Disability? Is There A Maximum Dollar Amount For SSI Disability? What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits? What are the Assets that count for SSI Disability? SSI Benefits - who is Eligible and How do I apply for them? SSI Benefits - what do they include and how long does it take What are the Application Requirements For SSI Disability? The SSI Award Letter from Social Security Social Security Disability Temporary Benefits and Closed Periods The Judge and the decision after the disability hearing for SSDI or SSI Can I receive back pay all the way back to my first SSD or SSI disability claim years ago? What conditions qualify or get you approved for SSD or SSI disability? |
