Your SSI Questions Answered by a Social Security Lawyer
04/14/09
Q: Will my children get benefits if I get SSI?
A: When applying for Social Security (whether you work with a social security lawyer or navigate the process on your own), you need to keep in mind the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplement Security Income, or SSI. While those that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits may be able to obtain benefits for their children (a social security lawyer can help with the process), those that apply only for SSI cannot. Because SSI is considered to be a need based program, dependant benefits are not offered.
With Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, however, you may be able to obtain benefits for your minor children. Your dependent children's ability to get benefits will generally be based on your past earnings. Everybody who is approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is not necessarily approved for dependent benefits. Those without a sufficient earnings history might not be approved. Talk to a social security lawyer for details.
Q: If I have money in my bank account, can I be approved for SSI benefits?
A: If you speak to a social security lawyer, he or she will explain to you the consequences of SSI being a need based program. Those that qualify for SSI must earn little money and have few assets. And while every state has a slightly different resource limit for qualifying for SSI, there are a few general guidelines that a social security lawyer will give you when looking over your application.
In general, the following are considered "resources" that count towards your income:
• Cash • Money in the Bank • Stocks and Bonds • Land, Homes, etc. • Life Insurance • Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles • Personal Property
While you may qualify for SSI benefits if you own a car or your own home, having too many resources or too much money in the bank will affect your eligibility. In order to be approved for SSI, you must generally have less than $2000 in a bank account for a single person, or less than $3000 for two people. However, you will want to talk to a social security lawyer about the specific requirements for your state.
Q: Will they take away my benefits if I sell my house and make money off of it?
A: The answer to this question will vary from case to case, and it is a good idea to speak with a social security lawyer in this situation. If you sell your home and make a profit, the amount of profit will determine your continued SSI benefits. If you make enough money from selling your house to go over your resources' "allowable value," you will become ineligible for SSI during that month. If, however, you maintain those "over value" resources in a bank account into the next months, your eligibility for SSI benefits may come into question. If you are planning to sell a home, it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer to understand how that sale may affect your benefits.
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