In December 2020, eight million people received federally sponsored benefits. One of them is SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

SSI is a form of government benefit offered to low-income people who are elderly, blind, or disabled. SSI can provide much-needed assistance to those who are unable to work.

If you’re considering applying for SSI, it’s crucial that you understand the process and what benefits you may be eligible for. You may also need help completing your application or appealing a decision if your claim is denied. That’s where an SSI lawyer comes in.

Hiring an SSI lawyer can help you navigate the application process and ensure that your claim is approved on your first try, but it also comes with several other benefits.

Read on to learn!

1. Help You Determine Eligibility

One of the most significant benefits of hiring an SSI lawyer is that they can help you determine whether or not you’re eligible for SSI benefits. Many people are unaware that they may be eligible for SSI, and an SSI lawyer can help you figure out if you’re one of them.

The eligibility requirements are different for SSI and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), another type of federally sponsored disability benefit. SSI benefits are only available to low-income people who are elderly, blind, or disabled. SSDI is open to individuals with a disability that prevents them from working for at least 12 months out of the year.

The requirements vary depending on whether your condition is physical or mental and if you can work in some capacity despite your disability.

Hiring a disability lawyer will help ensure that you don’t miss out on receiving significant monthly benefits because you didn’t meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Only SSI lawyers have access to this type of detailed information, so they must play a role in the SSI application process.

2. Help You Complete Your SSI Application

Another reason to hire an SSI lawyer is to help you complete your SSI application. If you cannot get all the information yourself, your SSI lawyer can help you gather the necessary documents and fill out the application correctly.

This step is crucial if your claim is denied, as you will then have the opportunity to appeal the decision. SSI lawyers are experts in completing SSI applications, so they know what information to include and which questions to answer.

Filling out the SSI application can be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Your SSI lawyer will ensure that everything is done correctly and help reduce the chances of your claim being denied.

3. Help You Appeal an SSI Decision

If your SSI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This process can be complex and confusing, but an SSI lawyer can help make it easier.

Your SSI lawyer will guide you through the entire appeals process and represent you in front of the Social Security Administration (SSA). They will also argue on your behalf to ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Appealing an SSI decision can be frustrating and time-consuming, but having an SSI lawyer by your side makes it much more manageable. They’ll take care of all the details so that you don’t have to worry about anything else.

4. Help You Maximize Your SSI Benefits

Hiring an SSI lawyer can help you maximize your monthly benefits. Although the SSA assigns disability ratings based on a person’s condition and limitations, hiring an attorney may increase this amount because of their experience with these cases.

Your SSI lawyer will be able to provide evidence that accurately describes how much money you need each month to cover your basic living expenses. The more persuasive your argument is the higher your chance of receiving additional funds above what was originally assigned by the SSA.

Maximizing your SSI benefits can be extremely important, especially if you’re struggling financially. Having an SSI lawyer on your side will help ensure that you receive the most money possible.

5. Help You Avoid Mistakes on Your SSI Application

There are several common mistakes people make when applying for SSI benefits. Hiring an SSI lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes and increase your chances of being approved for benefits.

Some of the most common errors include:

• Not providing all the necessary information
• Forgetting to sign the application
• Not attaching required documents
• Listing incorrect information

An SSI lawyer will ensure that your application is complete and accurate, reducing the chances of rejection because of a mistake. They’ll also help you gather all the necessary documentation so that there’s nothing left to chance.

6. Help You Understand the SSI Process

The SSI application process can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with it. An SSI lawyer will help you understand the process and answer any questions you have along the way.

They’ll explain everything in detail so that you know what to expect every step of the way. This is a huge advantage, as it can be stressful applying for benefits, and knowing what’s going on can help reduce some of that stress.

An SSI lawyer will also keep you updated on your case status, letting you know when something changes or when there are new developments. They’ll guide you through every stage of the process so that you’re never left in the dark.

Click here to get answers to some of the frequently asked questions about SSI.

7. Advocate for You in Court

If your SSI claim is denied and you decide to take legal action, your SSI lawyer will represent you in court. They’ll argue on your behalf and do everything possible to ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Court proceedings can be complex and overwhelming, but having an experienced attorney by your side makes things much more manageable. They’ll guide you through every step of the process and make sure that you succeed.

Taking legal action should always be a last resort, but if it’s necessary, hiring an SSI lawyer is the best decision you can make.

8. Protect Your Rights

When hiring an SSI attorney, you can rest easy knowing that your rights are protected. They’ll fight to ensure that the SSA follows all laws and regulations, protecting both you and other people who are applying for benefits in the future.

Hiring an attorney is a decision not to take lightly because it takes time. But once everything is said and done, the relief of knowing your case was successful makes it all worth it. Your SSI lawyer will ensure that justice prevails, so you receive what’s rightfully yours.

An SSI Lawyer Makes a Difference

Hiring an SSI lawyer is the best decision you can make to increase your chances of receiving benefits. The reasons above are just a few of the benefits of an SSI lawyer. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and see how they can help you get the money you need.

We hope you now know the reasons to hire a lawyer. If you’d like to read more interesting articles, keep following our blog.