Tambra L. Visnoski
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Our Location
LAW FIRM OF TAMBRA L. VISNOSKI 1350 E. NASA, Parkway STE 115 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058
- Contact Us
281-333-2383
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal welfare program for disabled persons who do not have the necessary work credits to qualify for Disability Benefits. A Claimant may be eligible for concurrent benefits (both Disability and SSI benefits). The rules for medical qualification are the same for both programs. Income, for the purposes of SSI, includes:
- Money you earn from work
- Money you receive from other sources, such as Social Security benefits, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs, friends or relatives; and
- Free food or shelter
WHAT DOES “DISABLED” MEAN FOR A CHILD?
If you are under age 18 we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, (including an emotional or learning problem) that:
results marked and severe functional limitations; and
can be expected to result in death; or
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
If you are age 18 or older, the adult definition of disability explained below applies.
WHAT DOES “DISABLED” MEAN FOR AN ADULT?
If you are age 18 or older we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including an emotional or learning problem) which:
results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and
can be expected to result in death; or
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
The first step is to apply on the internet or by telephone or on the internet. It would beneficial for a claimant to talk to an attorney prior to applying to confirm they are applying for the correct type of benefits and to obtain advise on correct onset date.
Due to the current backlog the sooner one applies the better. If the initial application is denied …
Request that the claim be reconsidered by filing the appropriate forms. It would beneficial for a claimant to talk to an attorney for legal assistance to understand the reason the claim may have been denied. If Reconsideration is denied …
The third and most important step is the hearing. Every Claimant has the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the only step in the process where the Claimant is able to provide crucial testimony regarding their disabilities and how they prevent them from being able to perform substantial gainful activity.
Understanding the process of hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is crucial. Being well prepared is paramount for your case. At Law Firm of Tambra Visnoski we prepare briefs for each of our cases prior the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge which is very beneficial for our clients.
Unfavorable decisions by the Administrative Law Judge can be appealed to another step within the Administration, and then to federal court, if necessary.
If you need help with the application process or if you have been denied social security disability benefits at the initial level, reconsideration level or following a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, we may be able to help!