Clear & Honest Answers
To Questions About Your Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Attorney Shawn Taylor

How can you know if you are eligible for SSI benefits?

On Behalf of | Aug 8, 2019 | Firm News |

When a person is unable to work, it is much more than just an inconvenience. The lack of an ability to earn a living is a threat to a person’s emotional and financial well-being. Thankfully, there are legal options available to these individuals — including seeking benefits from the Social Security Administration.

If you cannot work for a medical or physical reason, you may be eligible for these benefits. However, there are two different types of benefits available to the disabled through the SSA. Most people are familiar with Social Security Disability Insurance, but there is also Supplemental Security Income. Before you move forward, it can be helpful to learn more about eligibility for SSI. 

What’s the difference?

The intent of both SSI and SSDI benefits is to provide support to individuals who are unable to work. While the intent is the same, these benefits are for two different groups of people. SSDI benefits depend on a person’s work history, while SSI benefits do not. If you have never been able to work, SSI may be the right option for you. Consider the following facts about SSI benefits:

  • You must have $2,000 or less in your bank account.
  • The SSA does not consider the value of your home when determining your eligibility for SSI benefits.
  • Vehicles that you own worth less than $4,500 are not part of your financial resources.

SSI benefits are for individuals who may not qualify for SSDI benefits. If you do not have a sufficient work history or you have limited financial resources, you may want to move forward with an application for SSI benefits.

Like an application for SSDI benefits, you will have to provide certain documentation and complete an application in your effort to secure this type of financial support.

Help with your application

It is important for your financial security to get disability benefits. With so much at stake, you will find significant benefit in working with an experienced West Virginia Social Security Disability attorney who can assist you in your effort to secure SSI benefits.

Before you move forward with your application, it can help to seek an assessment of your disability and financial situation. This will help you understand the most appropriate way forward and allow you to understand what you need to avoid setbacks and complications with the application process.