If you cannot work due to a disability, you may have the option to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration. However, the SSI program has strict eligibility requirements. The Oklahoma Supplemental Security Income lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can help you determine whether you may qualify for SSI and assist you through the application process. Our firm has advocated for the rights and interests of Oklahomans for decades. Contact our Oklahoma City SSI attorneys today for a free initial case review to learn how we can help you get the financial benefits you need.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
The Supplemental Security Income program, managed by the Social Security Administration, provides monthly payments to people with disabilities, visually impaired individuals, or older adults with little or no financial resources or income. SSI benefits can provide disabled or elderly individuals with money to cover living expenses.
What Is the Difference Between SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance?
The Social Security Administration operates two disability benefits programs: SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The programs serve disabled individuals from different circumstances. SSI serves individuals who earn little or no income and have few assets. Conversely, SSDI serves disabled individuals who cannot work but have paid into the Social Security system and earned at least 40 credits during their working life, regardless of their current financial resources.
Who Is Eligible for Supplemental Security Income?
Individuals applying for SSI must meet three essential criteria. First, applicants must earn little or no monthly income, including wages, passive income, pensions, unemployment, or Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration sets a monthly income limit for SSI recipients that increases along with inflation. Individuals, married couples, and families with dependent children have different income levels.
An applicant must also own few or no assets, including property, investments, or money in bank accounts. However, certain assets don’t count towards an applicant’s asset limit, including their primary residence, a vehicle, personal belongings, household goods, and property the applicant cannot sell or use.
Finally, an applicant must be 65 or older or have a disability that prevents the applicant from maintaining employment. The disability must have lasted at least 12 months or be expected to last 12 months or more or result in death.
What Type of Benefits Can I Receive Through SSI?
While SSI primarily provides monthly financial payments to recipients, the program can also qualify recipients for additional government benefits and services, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which helps cover the cost of food
- Medicaid, which can cover the cost of healthcare or long-term disability care
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which can provide additional financial payments to low-income families
Applying for SSI Benefits in Oklahoma
The Social Security Administration allows individuals to begin the application process for SSI benefits via telephone. In the first step of the application process, you will provide the SSA with basic information, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. The SSA will then schedule an appointment to complete your application at a local Social Security office or again on the telephone. You have the right to have a representative, such as a family member, assist you during the application process.
When you go to the SSA office to complete your application, you must bring supporting documentation to confirm your eligibility for SSI benefits, including proof of age, citizenship/legal residency, income, and assets.
The SSA will forward your case to a Disability Determination Services office, which will review your medical records and other documentation to determine whether you have a qualifying disability.
The SSA will review your supporting documentation to determine whether you qualify for SSI benefits and send you a notice informing you of the approval or denial of your application.
What If My Claim Was Denied?
If the SSA denies your SSI benefits application, you can appeal that determination within 60 days of the date you receive notice of the denial. The SSA has established an administrative appeals process to review denials of benefits claims.
How Does the SSI Appeal Process Work?
The first step in the SSI appeals process involves filing a request for reconsideration with the SSA. You can request an appeal on the SSA website or mail a completed request for reconsideration form to your local Social Security office. The SSA will review your application and supporting documentation and issue a reconsideration determination. If the SSA denies your application again on reconsideration, it will send you a written notice stating the specific reasons for the determination.
When the SSA denies your application a second time on reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 60 days of receiving the reconsideration determination. Alternatively, you can have the administrative law judge issue a ruling based on the documentation in your application file if you do not want to appear at a hearing.
At a hearing, the administrative law judge may call witnesses, such as medical or vocational experts, to testify regarding your disability. Under certain circumstances, you can request to subpoena documents or witnesses to support your application.
If you disagree with the administrative law judge’s ruling, you can further appeal to the SSA’s Appeals Council within 60 days of receiving the judge’s ruling. You can submit additional evidence or documentation to the Appeals Council if the evidence predates the decision of the administrative law judge. If the Appeals Council grants review, it will either issue a ruling or return your claim to the administrative law judge for further action, such as a new hearing and decision.
Finally, if you disagree with the Appeals Council’s action on your claim, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
Call Our Experienced Oklahoma SSI Lawyers for Help
After you’ve become disabled, you may have the right to obtain SSI benefits that can help you cover your living expenses. An experienced Oklahoma social security lawyer can give you the best chance of getting your SSI application approved. Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today for a free consultation with our Oklahoma SSI attorneys. We can discuss your legal options and tell you more about the application process.
This article was previously published in January 202 and updated for relevance in May 2024.
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