If you have found yourself in need of government assistance, you might be able to make a claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You can apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to establish that you should receive SSI benefits, and securing the assistance of an experienced attorney can help you navigate the application process.
Making your claim for benefits by applying to the SSA entails filing documents and establishing your eligibility for the SSI program. A Kansas City SSI claims lawyer from BurnettDriskill can aid you as you apply and can represent you throughout the process, including in appeals before the agency and in federal court.
The SSI program can provide monetary assistance in the form of benefits paid out to successful applicants. SSI benefits are not available to everyone, though, and you must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive and continue receiving benefits.
SSI is a needs-based program. You must have limited resources and a qualifying disability to be eligible for SSI benefits. If you have more than $2,000 a month in resources (which can include income, accounts, and property, among other assets), the SSA might deny your claim. If you are unable to work because of a medical condition, you might be able to establish your disability through documentation, but the SSA could disagree and deny or reduce your benefits.
Constructing your claim involves collating various documents and filling out the SSA’s forms that, together, make up an application you can submit. You should ensure that your application is complete and accurate by including documents such as medical records that demonstrate your disability, financial statements, and other records that establish your resources.
Rather than preparing your SSI claim alone, you can rely on the help of a Kansas City attorney. Your lawyer can evaluate your eligibility and help you submit your application to the SSA.
Your claim needs to be submitted on specific forms provided by the SSA, in accordance with the agency’s requirements, or your claim may be denied outright. Your claim could also be rejected or reduced if the SSA makes an initial determination, such as finding you ineligible or deciding that a lower amount of benefits should be paid out.
An attorney can help your claim progress even if the SSA makes an unfavorable determination, as you can appeal such a decision. You can first request a reconsideration by the SSA, then request a hearing before an administrative law judge. A hearing can serve as a way for you to explain how the SSA has made a mistake.
If these steps do not work in your favor, you can then appeal to the Appeals Council within the SSA. Finally, if that fails, you can sue in U.S. District Court.
Your attorney can assist you with your application and in appealing the SSA’s decisions in the process to secure the benefits you deserve. While your SSI claim might be accepted initially by the Kansas City regional office, it is still important to have an attorney representing you to support your claim from the initial filing to the final approval.
SSI benefits can be a lifeline when you need it most, but only if you can establish your eligibility and diligently pursue your claim. A Kansas City SSI claims lawyer from our firm can help you build your application and file appeals according to the SSA’s rules.
At BurnettDriskill, we can help you start the process and fight for your rights. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your potential SSI claim and the benefits it may offer.
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