Top Five Reasons for Being Denied SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits allow people with disabilities, who also have few economic resources, to pay for things like housing, food, transportation, going to the movies or vacation, and anything else that they desire to use their benefits for. While SSI benefits are a crucial financial tool for thousands of families and individuals throughout Florida, they are relatively small in terms of dollar sums, and most disabled people have to rely on another source of income. The current maximum SSI benefits are just $794 for an individual, $1,191 per month for a married couple with an eligible spouse, and $397 for an essential person (a caretaker), according to the Social Security Administration. The total cost of the SSI program is relatively small. Just $30 billion went to injured workers, widowed spouses, and people with disabilities in 2003. With so many people who rely on this funding, and workers and others injured every year, it can be incredibly difficult qualifying for SSI benefits.
Too Much Income
One of the most common reasons for being denied or kicked off SSI benefits is having too much income. The maxim income a recipient can have is around $1,655 per month. However, not all of a recipient’s income is counted toward this number.
Too Much Other Resources
While a recipient’s income may be small enough, their other resources may make them ineligible. These other resources include real property, money bank accounts, stock, and retirement accounts.
The Recipient Failed to Give the SSA Access to Contact Financial Institutions
Filing for SSI benefits on your own is not a recipe for success. Simple mistakes like failing to allow the Social Security Administration to contact your bank can cause you to be denied benefits.
Resident of Public Institution
Unfortunately, people who live in “public institutions” and receive the majority of their food and shelter from such places are ineligible for SSI benefits.
Left the United States
If you leave the US, you lose your SSI benefits for that month. Furthermore, if you leave the US for more than 30 days in a row, you have to be back in the States for 30 days in a row before you can start receiving benefits again. This can have a big impact on an SSI beneficiary’s ability to travel.
Applying for SSI Benefits
In order to set yourself up for success when it comes to being admitted into the SSI program, it is wise to work with an experienced attorney. An attorney will ensure that all necessary documentation is provided to the SSA and that your resources and income are as small as possible for accuracy and to ensure that you get as high of benefits as possible. If you have already been denied, an attorney can help appeal the denied claim.
Contact an Orlando Supplemental Security Income Attorney Today
Whether you have applied for SSI benefits already, or you simply have questions, the Orlando Social Security disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html#:~:text=The%20latest%20such%20increase%2C%201.3%20percent%2C%20becomes%20effective%20January%202021.&text=The%20monthly%20maximum%20Federal%20amounts,%24397%20for%20an%20essential%20person.
ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/disability_trends/sect01.html
https://sheafugate.com/how-to-add-or-remove-dependents-from-your-veterans-disability-benefits/
