Supplemental Security Income Lawyers

Who is Eligible for SSI?

Individuals eligible for the Supplemental Security Income program are U.S. citizens who:

• Are disabled, totally or partially blind, or at least age 65
• Have limited income/resources
• Live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands

To qualify on the basis of a disability, your condition must affect your ability to perform work-related activities and has lasted or is expected to last more than one year or result in death. The disability must either meet the strict criteria of the SSA’s listings of impairments or prevent you from performing your past work and from adjusting to other work.

You may be eligible to receive SSI monthly payments even if you are already receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits.

Even if you meet the requirements, the SSA often denies applications. If you have filled out the lengthy Supplemental Security Income application and have been denied, our SSI lawyers are here to help.

How to Appeal an SSI Denial

Nearly 75 percent of all applicants are denied benefits the first two times they apply for SSI or SSDI benefits. The single biggest mistake people make is failing to appeal within the appropriate time period. More than two-thirds of the people who are denied at the first step fail to ask for reconsideration.

If you were recently denied Social Security benefits for medical or non-medical reasons, you must request an appeal in writing and it must be received within 60 days of the date you receive the letter containing the SSA’s decision. You can call and ask for the appeal form (Form SSA-561) or file online and provide documents electronically to support your appeal.

Generally, there are four levels of appeal:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing by an administrative law judge
• Review by the Appeals Council
• Federal Court review

Our Missouri Social Security attorneys will be there with you every step of the way. We have vast experience in the SSI appeals process from hearings before an administrative law judge through appeals. In preparation for a hearing with an administrative law judge, our SSI lawyers work hard to gather every piece of evidence that will be useful to your case and demonstrate your need for SSI benefits. One thing we recommend is that you keep in contact with your doctor and follow their instructions for treatment, otherwise, you may damage your case.

Contact Our Social Security Lawyers

Navigating the Supplemental Security Income claims process can be extremely frustrating. Whether you’re applying for SSI or appealing a denial of SSI, you can count on the Social Security attorneys at Deputy & Mizell, L.L.C. We can help you fight for your benefits! Contact our expert Social Security lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation.