What Is SSI?
If you can’t work because of severe health problems and you have limited financial resources, then SSI—Supplemental Security Income—could be a major help to you.
What is SSI?
It’s a disability benefits program run by the Social Security Administration. It provides monthly checks to help you pay for food, housing and other basic needs.
This financial relief can make your life so much easier.
When you get SSI, you also qualify for Medicaid health care coverage, which is called Medi-Cal in California. Medi-Cal will help you pay for hospital stays, doctor bills, prescriptions and other health costs.
You also may be able to get food assistance with SSI benefits.
Unlike other types of Social Security Disability, SSI doesn’t require you to have a substantial recent work history.
At Angelina Valle & Associates, our Social Security Disability lawyers can help you apply for SSI benefits or appeal if you were denied.
We’ve been helping people in Salinas, San Jose and around Northern California win Social Security Disability benefits for over 35 years.
- SSI is Available to Those with Limited Income and Resources.
- Angelina Valle Can Help You With the Application Process.
- If You Were Denied SSI, Call Angelina Right Away.
What You Need to Apply for SSI
On your SSI application, you need to show:
- that you have severe medical conditions
- that your health problems mean you can’t work
- that your condition has lasted or will last at least a year
- that you have limited income
- that you have limited resources such as savings and real estate
- that you’ve applied for any other available benefits, such as pensions or Social Security retirement
SSI can be for people younger than retirement age who can’t work. It’s also designed for people over age 65 with limited work histories, for people with blindness and for children with disabilities.
If you have a child with physical or mental conditions that don’t allow them to function the same way as other children their age, SSI benefits can be a great support for your family, helping you pay for therapies or equipment that your child needs.
To get childhood SSI, your family must also meet the financial requirements for SSI.
For any type of SSI application, you’ll need to prove you meet the requirements by submitting medical records and financial records along with your application forms.
You may wonder if you qualify for SSI or how to apply for disability.
Angelina Valle & Associates Social Security Disability lawyers work with this process every day. You can talk to us—FOR FREE—to get an idea of whether you have a strong case for benefits.
"Smart but tough. She really knows the Social Security Administration. Better to see her in Person than phone consult - she's very forward on the phone - don't be thrown off; Angela VERY knowledgeable about SSA."
Sherrie G., Milpitas, CA 11/03/2015
SSI vs. SSDI
You may also have heard about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
How is SSDI different from SSI?
- SSDI requires you to have worked a certain amount and paid into the Social Security system. SSI doesn’t require a work history.
- SSDI doesn’t consider your other financial assets, like land and investment accounts. SSI does.
- SSDI pays monthly checks based in part on your past income. The average in 2021 was $1,277.
- SSI pays a pre-set amount every month, which changes from year to year. That amount was set at $794 for an individual in 2021.
- With SSDI, you can get eligibility for Medicare health coverage (which otherwise is for people of retirement age).
- SSI qualifies you for Medicaid health coverage (which is for people with limited incomes.)
- The government pays for SSDI using money from Social Security taxes. SSI money comes from general taxes. But both programs are run by Social Security.
They’re both for people who can’t work due to their health. The differences are in your work background and the types of benefits you receive:
When you need to apply for disability benefits, you have to fill out a lot of forms and submit a lot of evidence.
And even after all that, most people get denied.
At Angelina Valle & Associates, we can help you better understand how Social Security Disability works and what you need to do.
With decades of experience dealing with Social Security, we know how to improve your chances of being awarded benefits.
And winning SSI benefits can make such a difference for you.
They give you a measure of financial independence when it’s difficult for you to support yourself. Getting benefits can reduce your stress and let you focus on your health and living your life.
You PAY NO DISABILITY ATTORNEY FEE UNTIL YOU WIN BENEFITS, so talk to us now to apply for SSI.
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