Your SSI Questions Answered by a Social Security Lawyer
02/20/09
Q: If I get Supplemental Security Income benefits, will my children get them, too?
A: When you consult a social security lawyer or apply for Social Security on your own, it is important to keep in mind that there are big differences between Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). One major difference is that, while children may sometimes be eligible for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (talk to a social security lawyer for details), under SSI they will not. 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. Whether or not your children will receive benefits depends on your earnings records. 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. For more information, speak with a social security lawyer.
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. Put simply, those that receive SSI benefits do not have much money or many assets. Every state in the U.S. has its own general rules about qualification for SSI, and a social security lawyer should be able to help you with the general rules behind what is considered a "resource" in your state.
In general, the following are considered "resources" that count towards your income:
• Cash • Bank Accounts • Stocks and other Investments • Land, Homes, etc. • Life Insurance • Vehicles • Owned 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. But since rules and limits change from state to state, it is best to speak with a social security lawyer.
Q: If I sell my home and make a profit, will I lose my benefits?
A: Like with most social security questions, the correct answer to this varies from person to person, and it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer. If you do make money from the sale of a home, the amount of money you make will be the deciding factor in the effect on your SSI. 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. And if that money stays in your possession into future months, your approval to receive SSI benefits may be questioned. 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.
See more