Supplemental Security Income
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those 65 and older, blind, and the disabled who have no other source of income. It is a federal income program that is not funded by Social Security taxes, but is instead funded by general tax revenues. People who benefit for SSI use the funds for basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Filing for SSI can be an arduous and complex process. Like filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, many are denied the first time they file. The reasons vary, but may have to do with things such as not filling out forms properly, missing deadlines, and more.
Obtaining the services of an experienced SSI attorney like Stipe & Belote, LLP in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, can help you get the benefits you are entitled to, even if you have been denied.
Definition of SSI Terms
SSI has very specific definitions for words such as “aged,” “blind,” and “disabled.” Understanding the specifics of these words may help you get SSI benefits.
- Aged – Means 65 years old or older
- Disabled – When referring to adults, there are medically determined mental or physical impairments that result in an inability to perform any gainful activity for a sustained time, which is expected to result in death, or will last more than one year
General Facts about Supplemental Security Income
- Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on your or a family member’s prior work
- General funds from the US Treasury that fund SSI include: corporate taxes, personal income taxes, and other taxes. Those taxes withheld by FICA do not count toward the funding of SSI
- Beneficiaries of SSI may also qualify for food stamps
- Beneficiaries of SSI may also have Medicaid pay for hospital stays and some medical bills
- SSI benefits are paid on the first of the month
- You must be a resident of the US, not absent from the country for over 30 days, and be a citizen or nationalized citizen, or included in another category of eligible non-citizen
- Your resources (things you own) are worth no more than $2000 or $3000 for a couple. Homes and vehicles are not counted in this, but bank accounts, cash, and stocks are
If you feel you qualify for SSI benefits, or you would like to learn more about them, please contact the experienced SSI attorneys at Stipe and Belote, LLP. We serve the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area.
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