SSI Lawyers Serving Tampa, Holiday, Miami, St. Petersburg, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs and Surrounding Areas
Even if you have not paid enough into the system to claim Social Security Disability or old-age benefits, you could still be entitled to monthly cash payments if you are unable to work and have little income and few resources. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program that provides money to disabled people, people over age 65 and blind people.
People who collect SSD or Social Security old-age benefits can also claim additional SSI benefits if they meet the income and resource requirements. SSI can provide over $600 in monthly cash benefits to eligible individuals. However, the majority of applicants are initially rejected. They must then pursue several levels of appeals, but a denial at any one level or a past denial may not disqualify them from receiving benefits.
The Florida Supplemental Security Income attorneys at Disparti Law Group, P.A., will take on your case and fight the government for your benefits at any stage in your SSI application. Contact us today for a free initial consultation at 866-236-0387 or fill out our online contact form.
With more than 30 years of experience handling Supplemental Security Income claims, our SSI attorneys serve clients in Tampa, Holiday, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and all across Florida and the United States. Don’t fight the government alone. Let us put our decades of experience and knowledge to work for you.
About Florida Supplemental Security Income Claims
SSI is an income- and resource-based program. You must still be found disabled according to the Social Security guidelines (unless you are blind or age 65 or older). However, even if you have a limited work history and have not paid much money into the Social Security system, you may still be entitled to SSI benefits.
The government applies the same standards as with SSD to determine whether you are “disabled” for purposes of SSI. Generally, you must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months.
In addition to meeting the disability and/or age requirements, receiving SSI benefits also depends on your income and the things you own. Where you live and how many people live with you affect the amount of income that you can receive and still be entitled to SSI benefits.
“Income” for SSI eligibility purposes includes any money you earn from working, pensions, Social Security benefits, alimony, child support and food and shelter. However, in determining your income level, the government does not consider:
- The first $20 a month of most income you receive;
- The first $65 a month you earn from working and half the amount over $65;
- Food stamps;
- Shelter from private nonprofits; and
- Most home energy assistance.
SSI rules allow an individual to own up to $2,000 worth of resources and still be entitled to benefits. Excluded from that amount is the value of your home, certain life insurance policies, your car (usually) and burial plots or burial funds.
Although the rules might seem clear-cut, in practice it is often difficult to get the SSI benefits you deserve. The application process can be very complex and frustrating, and the layers of bureaucracy lead many people to simply give up. That’s where a skilled Florida SSI benefits lawyer, such as the ones at Disparti Law Group, can help.
Being denied SSI benefits is not unusual — more than half of all applications are rejected at first — and it is by no means the end of the fight. The experienced Florida SSI attorneys at Disparti Law Group can prepare all of the paperwork necessary to document your disability and income/resources qualifications to give you a better shot at initial approval. We are also knowledgeable about the appeals process and are there to fight for you throughout each level of the appeal, going all the way to federal court if necessary.
Even if you have already been denied SSI benefits, you shouldn’t give up. It’s not too late to contact a Florida SSI attorney at Disparti Law Group to handle your appeals. Our Florida SSI lawyers can also help you if the government is threatening to cut off or reduce your SSI benefits.
The SSI application process can be long and confusing. Let us deal with the government for you while you concentrate on your health. At Disparti Law Group, we will fight hard on your behalf.
What Are The Attorney Fees?
Attorney fees in SSI cases are based on a percentage of any sum recovered, with a maximum fee amount established by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration must approve any attorney fee requests.
If our Social Security Disability lawyers agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if you recover money on your claim.
Contact a Florida SSI Attorney Today
If you or a loved one needs legal assistance with a Supplemental Security Income claim, call Disparti Law Group, P.A., toll free at 866-236-0387 or contact us online. The initial consultation is free of charge. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
