What is Supplemental Security Income, and are you eligible?

If you are unable to work because of a medical condition, you may be wondering what this means for your financial health. It can be difficult to pay for things you need, get medical care and simply make ends meet when you do not have sufficient income. If you find yourself in this position, you may be eligible for disability income from the Social Security Administration.

Simply having a serious medical condition is not necessarily enough to qualify you for these benefits, and there are different types of disability benefits as well. If you are not eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you could be eligible for Supplemental Security income. It is in your interests to ensure that you understand eligibility requirements and how to move forward with your application.

What kind of benefits will you get?

In order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you have to have a valid work history. This means that you cannot receive benefits from the system unless you have actually paid into the system through payroll taxes when you were working. Supplemental Security Income is for individuals who do not have a valid work history or are ineligible for SSDI for another reason. It may help to understand the following about SSI:

• These benefits do not depend on a person’s work history. Instead, SSI benefits come from general tax revenue.
• The amount of SSI benefits a person could get depends on factors such as other sources of income and the resources an applicant has.
• People who are often eligible for SSI benefits include people who are blind, age 65 or older or disabled, as well as disabled or blind children.

An assessment of your case and a close look at your resources can help you understand if you may be eligible for SSI benefits. Knowing what you can get before you proceed can save you both time and stress as you pursue necessary financial support.

Start today

If you think you may be eligible for benefits through the Social Security Administration, you may want to start by seeking legal guidance before you even begin the application process. An experienced North Carolina attorney can look at your situation and help you understand which type of benefits you may be able to receive. You can also have help with your application, as well as any appeals that may be necessary. This support can prove invaluable during this entire process.