Brockton Supplemental Security Income Lawyer

Living with a disability can be difficult, but when you’re struggling to support yourself, you could be entitled to Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Reach out to a Brockton SSI attorney for help.

If you are no longer physically capable of working, or if you’ve endured a serious injury or disability that prevents you from working, you might qualify for SSI benefits. Supplemental security income is a government program that provides financial support to families who need help making ends meet.

It’s not as easy as it seems, however, which is why working with a Brockton supplemental security income lawyer at Joel H. Schwartz P.C. could be in your best interests. Our firm will work diligently to maximize your chances of getting the SSI approval you need to stay afloat. If you’ve been issued a denial, we’re also prepared to appeal your case.

Qualifying for SSI

Not everyone meets the requirements for SSI. To qualify for SSI, you’ll need to either be suffering from a debilitating disability, be 65 years of age or older, or be legally blind. It’s important to note that if you are disabled, your specific condition needs to be one that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers disabling, as per its list of qualifying conditions.

You’ll also need to be a U.S. citizen, have few assets, and have a diminished ability to earn a living. With this, your entire household income cannot exceed the SSA’s threshold for benefits, which is $750 per month for an individual and $1,125 per month for married couples, as of 2018.

Once you know that you qualify, you can begin filling out your application. This can be done via phone, online, or by paper form. The fastest way is by completing the application online or by phone with an SSA representative. You’ll need to provide your social security number, address, income, assets, and medical documentation of your condition to demonstrate your need for SSI benefits.

From there, the SSA will review your case to determine your eligibility. It’s important to note that the majority of claims are, at least initially, denied. This shouldn’t stop you from appealing the denial so you can begin collecting the SSI benefits you need to support yourself.

What SSI Benefits Include

If you are one of the lucky few to get an immediate approval, you will begin receiving your SSI benefits shortly afterward. These benefits consist of a monthly disability payment.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on how much you are currently able to earn, with a maximum of $750 per month, or $1,125 for couples. This is the same as the maximum amount you can earn per month in order to qualify for SSI in the first place.

These benefits are yours to spend as you see fit. Most families receiving SSI need to use their benefits to support themselves, and these funds often go toward mortgage or rent payments, groceries, utilities, and other living necessities.

How to Appeal a Denied Claim

Most claims are denied initially. When you are preparing to file your appeal, we will first file a request for reconsideration. Here, your case is reviewed independently by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

If your reconsideration request is denied, your case can then move forward to a hearing with an administrative law judge. Approximately 50 percent of claims that reach this level of appeals are resolved in the claimant’s favor. Your lawyer should ensure that all appropriate supporting evidence is presented during your appeal.

Contact a Brockton Supplemental Security Income Attorney

If you need assistance preparing your SSI application, or if your claim has been denied, and you need a Brockton supplemental security income lawyer by your side to appeal your case, get in touch with the attorneys at Joel H. Schwartz, PC. You can schedule your claim evaluation today by calling our office at 1-800-660-2270 or by filling out the quick contact form located at the bottom of this page.