Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of two separate income maintenance
programs run by the federal government and administered by the Social Security
Administration. The other is Social Security Disability (SSDI).If you do not meet the employment history eligibility requirements for SSDI, you may
still qualify for SSI.
To be eligible for SSI, you must have:
a. be age 65 or older, blind, or have one or more physical or mental
impairments that prevent you from engaging in any substantial, gainful
employment for at least one year.
b. be a citizen or legal resident of the United States;
c. have very limited income and resources.
Individuals and couples may be eligible for both SSI and SSDI if the amount
of the SSDI benefit is less than the amount of the SSI benefit to which they are
entitled.
The laws regarding the above eligibility requirements are extremely
complicated and subject to interpretation.
For example, concerning your resources, how you describe you living arrangements may
greatly impact your benefits. For example, a loan received for payment of
food, clothing or shelter will not be counted against you as income, while a gift
received and used for these purposes will. Therefore, if you are living
with another person to whom you are not married, and they are
"carrying" you financially and expecting reimbursement, it is in your
best interest to be able to document that the food, rent and utilities that they
are paying on your behalf is a loan which is expected to be repaid, rather than
a gift.
If you are turned down for SSI benefits and feel that your situation deserves benefits, attempt to obtain
a detailed explanation of the reason for denial.
We serve the entire south Denver
Metropolitan area, including Littleton, Englewood, Centennial & Aurora in Arapahoe County, Highlands Ranch
and Castle Rock in Douglas County, Denver and south Jefferson County, Colorado. Evening and
weekend, home and hospital appointments are available upon request with an
experienced attorney.
If you have been turned down on your SSI application, please contact our
office to discuss your case, without cost or obligation.
