If a disability has prevented you from performing your job or severely impaired your child’s functionality, you may be eligible for benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefit the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers which provides benefits to adults and children who have eligible disabilities. If you are interested in applying for such benefits, consider learning about Marietta SSI eligibility. Reach out to our team of experienced SSI lawyers and schedule an appointment. In addition to filing an initial application, an attorney could also help you appeal a claim denial, if necessary.
Disability Requirements in Marietta
Marietta SSI eligibility typically requires that an adult applicant must be physically or psychologically impaired to the extent that they are unable to be gainfully employed. The condition must last or be expected to last for one year or result in death. Those suffering from partial or short-term disabilities are generally not eligible for SSI.
When determining whether an SSI applicant has a qualifying disability, the SSA refers to complex medical guidelines and considers whether the applicant could reasonably work in a prior job they have had. They also consider whether the applicant could perform similar jobs based on their skills, education, and limitations. Anyone in Marietta looking to understand the SSA’s guidelines and their potential SSI eligibility could benefit from speaking with an experienced lawyer about their particular situation.
Financial Eligibility for Aid
After proving their disability, the next step Marietta residents must proceed through for SSI eligibility is based on financial need—or, more specifically, each applicant’s total assets and income. An individual will generally not qualify for aid through SSI if they own assets worth more than $2,000, excluding their home, vehicle, and certain other items. The limit for married couples is $3,000.
In terms of monthly income, the income limit SSI eligibility is $750 for individuals. However, the SSA excludes certain amounts from this calculation. An experienced SSI attorney could assess an applicant’s eligibility and advise them about actions to take to seek benefits, potentially including filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they are not eligible for SSI.
Benefits for Children
Children who have a disability which severely limits their ability to function may qualify for SSI payments. For the SSA to process a claimant as a child, that individual must be under the age of 18, or under the age of 22 while still enrolled full time in junior high or high school. After this time, the SSA would have to evaluate them as an adult.
Children with certain medical conditions meet the criteria that the SSA defines in its listings of impairments. To confirm SSI eligibility, Marietta applicants must provide medical evidence that demonstrates they or their child meets all elements of the blue book listing for their impairment.
However, if a child’s impairment does not exactly meet all the requirements of a listing, they may still qualify. If a child does not meet or equal a listing in this section of the “Blue Book”, they may still potentially qualify for benefits through the domains of functioning. If their impairment is equal to the level of severity as an impairment found in the Blue Book, SSI benefits could still be available.
Let an Attorney Help Determine Eligibility for SSI in Marietta
If you or a loved one suffers from a disability, you may be eligible for SSI benefits. Unfortunately, applying can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. An experienced lawyer could be a valuable companion by explaining your potential SSI eligibility and helping to process your claim, not to mention assisting in any necessary appeals in the event of a denial.
You do not have to navigate this system alone, nor should you. Call today to learn more about Marietta SSI eligibility from our team of dedicated attorneys.
