How to apply for SSI Disability in California   What are SSI benefits? This is a fairly common question for individuals who are considering filing a claim for disability benefits. SSI stands for supplemental security income and is mandated by title 16 of the social security act. Resources: 1. SSI Benefits - who is Eligible 2. What is taken into consideration for SSI eligibility? 3. Will I qualify for SSI? 4. SSI disability requirements SSI disability benefits exist to provide coverage to those individuals in California and other states who were never insured and eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, as well as individuals who were once insured for SSD benefits but whose coverage has lapsed (due to insufficient work credits in recent years). This, of course, includes disability applications that are filed for minor age children. SSI disability benefits are unlike Social Security Disability benefits in that the monthly benefit amount is capped to a maximum, though the SSI maximum may be adjusted periodically to account for inflation (with Social Security Disability, the amount you receive each month is based on your earnings record and this, too, may be adjusted for inflation). SSI benefits differ from Social Security Disability benefits in that a claimant's eligibility to receive benefits may be affected by their assets. To remain eligible to receive SSI benefits, a claimant cannot have more than $2000 in countable assets (such as vehicles other than one's primary mode of transportation and real property other than one's primary residence). And, of course, the reason for this is that SSI is considered a need-based program. Lastly, SSI benefits may be distinguished from Social Security Disability benefits in this fashion: in most states, an SSI benefits recipient will also be eligible to receive medicaid (I say most because though most states have medicaid, not every state does), which provides for a certain number of doctor visits and filled prescriptions. Do you apply for SSI benefits any differently than you file for Social Security Disability benefits? No. The application process for SSI benefits is the same and is indistinguishable. If your claim for SSI benefits is denied, you have the right to file an appeal, and if that first appeal is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (generally, your chance of winning SSI benefits at a hearing will be approximately 40% without representation, and 60% with representation). 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? Filing for disability in California How do I Apply for Disability Benefits in California How long should you wait before you apply for disability? SSD and SSI applications in California What do you do if your California disability claim is denied? Do you file for your children when you apply for disability in California? Should you apply for disability in California after a denial? How long does a disability case take in California After you file for disability in California Filing for disability in California and your condition Filing a disability claim in California, long filing process The California disability process Do I need to be disabled a year in California to get disability? The Social Security Disability process in California California Disability determination process Disability approval criteria in California California Social Security Disability decisions Steps to Win Social Security Disability benefits in California Questions about disability in California How much can you make in California and still apply for disability? California Social Security Back Pay Can Disability benefits be garnished in California? Disability two year medicare waiting period in California California review of Social Security Disability claim California Social Security Disability status VA disability and California Social Security Disability Can a Congressman in California help on a disability case How do examiners make disability decisions in California? Applying for disability benefits in California How long does disability take in California? How long does it take to get a decision on a disability case in California? Why do disability claims take so long in California? How Long Will It Take To Get My Disability Decision If I Appeal in California? Disability claims in California with certain conditions Applying For Disability On the Basis of Back Pain in California Filing for Disability with Fibromyalgia in California Social Security Disability For Mental Illness in California Winning California disability Will a lawyer improve the chance to win disability in California? Getting approved for disability in California Winning disability in California California Disability Lawyers and Representation Getting a disability attorney in California Finding a new disability attorney in California Applying for SSI in California Filing for SSI disability in California SSI disability denied in California Are SSI claims in California denied more than SSDI claims? How to apply for SSI Disability in California Doctors, medical records, and medical exams Doctors and applying for disability in California Can you be turned down for disability in California if your doctor says you are disabled? Disability hearings in California Disability Hearings in California California quick disability hearing How do I win my Social Security Disability Hearing in California? How long does it take to get a disability hearing in California? Disability denials in California Disability Denied in California If a disability claim is denied in California Appealing a Social Security Disability denial in California If you get denied Social Security Disability in California Why are Most Disability Cases Denied in California? Getting approved or denied for disability in California Disability appeals in California How do you file a disability appeal in California? How many disability appeals do you get in California? If your California disability appeal is denied, can you get another appeal? If your disability reconsideration is denied in California Filing a reconsideration appeal in California Why was I denied disability in California? Qualifying for disability in California Qualifying for disability in California Qualify for SSD in California Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in California? Disability lawyers in California Using a Social Security Disability Attorney in California Cost of a California disability attorney Why do disability lawyers in California sometimes not take cases? Hiring a Disability Lawyer in California Social Security Disability Attorney Fees In California How do Disability Lawyers in California get paid their fees? Should you get a disability lawyer before you get denied in California? Lawyer for a disability hearing in California Why was I denied disability in California?