Social Security Disability
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
When your income is limited and a disability makes daily life harder, even the application process can feel like another burden. Stansberry Kinsley’s disability lawyers help people in Alabama understand Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, and the steps involved in a claim.
Start with your most recent notice and where your claim stands. You do not need every record before asking for a case review.
Your situation
What to understand first.
Who can qualify for SSI?
SSI provides monthly payments to eligible people with limited income and resources. People may qualify because they have a disability, are blind, or are age 65 or older. Children and adults can qualify under different disability rules.
Your income, the resources you own and your living situation can affect eligibility or the payment amount. We can help you understand what Social Security is asking about and which information is relevant.
How is SSI different from SSDI?
SSDI is based in part on a record of work covered by Social Security. SSI has separate financial requirements. Understanding both programs can help explain why Social Security is asking for medical information as well as details about money and living arrangements.
What if I’ve received a denial or a change in benefits?
Keep the notice, including the date and the explanation. The general appeal period is 60 days after receipt, but a request to keep payments going can have a shorter deadline. We can review the letter with you and explain your options.
What to keep
Start with the information you have.
Keep available records together. This is a starting list, not a requirement to gather everything before getting in touch.
- Income: Pay stubs, benefit letters and any other money you receive.
- Resources: Recent bank statements and information about vehicles, property or other assets.
- Living arrangements: Who you live with, and your share of rent, utilities and food.
- Medical sources: The doctors, clinics and hospitals that have treated you, with approximate dates.
- Notices and paperwork: Any Social Security letters you already have, including the program they name.
Ask about timing early.
Social Security notices state the dates that apply to you, and some requests have short windows. Keep the notice and its envelope, note when it arrived, and ask for a prompt review of the dates in your notice.
The next step
What happens next.
A case review is a place to begin understanding the questions your claim raises.
Tell us where your claim stands.
Start with the program named in your paperwork, the stage your claim has reached, and the questions you want answered.
Review the available information.
Discuss your notices, the medical and work information already supplied, and anything Social Security has asked for.
Understand the next step.
Ask what further information may be needed and which next steps may be appropriate for your circumstances.
What will it cost?
In Social Security disability cases, the fee an attorney may charge is limited by federal law and must be approved by the Social Security Administration. We’ll explain the proposed fee and any case expenses in a written agreement before you decide whether to hire us.
Talk with us
Tell us what happened and what you need help with. You can request a Free Case Review or call 844-327-5529.
Related reading: Do I Qualify? · Applying for Benefits · Denied Benefits and Appeals · Does My Condition Qualify Me for Social Security Disability Benefits? · How long will a social security disability claim take?.
You can start with the questions you have.