WHAT IS

SSI?

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Many people depend on government benefits in order to meet their basic needs each month. In some cases, government benefits may be the only source of income that a person has. The United States government has created a variety of benefits that help people and their families through retirement, financial difficulty, disability, and other issues for which there are various eligibility requirements.

Applying for these benefits is the first step in ensuring that your financial needs are met, but, unfortunately, the process can often be extremely complicated, confusing, and discouraging. No one has ever accused federal agencies of running too efficiently, and often applicants for government benefits spend months or even years waiting for their benefits to be approved. Fortunately, in many cases, an attorney who is familiar with the process can help applicants for government benefits navigate the system much more efficiently.

What is SSI Benefits?

Since the 1930s, the United States’ Social Security program has helped individuals who are older or disabled obtain basic necessities through a variety of programs. Perhaps the most widely known of these benefits are Social Security benefits, which are paid to people who are older, have become disabled, or have suffered a loss of a family member meet their financial needs.

In addition to these benefits, the Social Security Administration also administers a program known as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. SSI is available to individuals who are eligible for Social Security benefits but have limited income and resources.

The funds used to pay for the Supplemental Security Income program come from general revenues and are not funded by the same taxes that fund Social Security. In contrast to Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on a person’s work history or the work history of a family member.

Qualification for Supplemental Security Income is otherwise judged very similarly to qualification for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

The amount of the Federal SSI benefit generally changes each year and is tied to the Consumer Price Index. The Federal benefit rate as of January 1, 2016 was $733 for an individual and $1,100 for a family. In addition, some states, including Michigan, pay a supplement to people who are receiving SSI benefits.

Contact a Michigan SSI Disability Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

Anyone who believes that they may be entitled to benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program should talk to social security attorneys as soon as possible. In addition, anyone who has had been denied social security disability has the right to an appeal and to be represented by an attorney.


To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan™ today at 800-949-2900.