West Virginia residents that want to apply for Supplemental Security Income should be aware of how their resources factor into their eligibility for the benefits. The countable resource limit for an individual is $2,000. For couples, their total countable resources should not exceed $3,000.
Resources are defined as property people own. This can include cash, financial accounts, real estate, insurance, vehicles and any other item that can be exchanged for cash and be used to pay for shelter and food.
In some cases, some of the resources that are owned by another person can be considered as part of the resources that an SSI applicant owns. Property that belongs to the sponsor of an alien, sponsor’s spouse, parent, spouse or parent’s spouse can be deemed to the applicant.
For individuals that have not yet reached the age of 18 and reside with one parent, $2,000 of the total countable resources owned by the parent is excluded. For minors that reside with two parents, $3,000 of the parents’ total countable resources is excluded.
While the value of an applicant’s resources has a role in the determining whether he or she qualifies for SSI benefits, it is important to note that SSI does not count all resources. If the value of an applicant’s resources exceeds the allowable limit at the start of the month, the applicant is considered ineligible for SSI benefits for that month. Applicants may opt to sell the resources that places them over the limit and begin to receive SSI benefits in the month after those resources have been sold.
An attorney that practices Social Security law may assist disabled individuals with obtaining SSI Supplemental Security Income. A lawyer may help with appealing denied SSI benefits or guide new applicants through the application process.