Questions You Might Ask a Social Security Lawyer
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by: albert.tobega
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Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 Time: 2:29 PM
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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.
If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, on the other hand, it is possible to obtain benefits for minor children in some cases. Your dependent childrens ability to get benefits will generally be based on your past earnings. Not all of those who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits qualify for dependents 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: Any social security lawyer will tell you: because SSI is a need based program, all resources and income will be counted towards qualification. Put simply, those that receive SSI benefits do not have much money or many assets. And while every state has a slightly different resource limit for qualifying for SSI, there are a few general guidelines that a social security lawyer will give you when looking over your application.
See below for some of the things that are generally considered a resource, and which will be considered a part of your income.
• Cash • Money in the Bank • Stocks and Bonds • Real Estate • Life Insurance • Vehicles • Owned Property
Though it is possible to be approved for SSI if you own a vehicle and one home, owning too many assets or "resources" can reduce your chances. 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: The answer to this question will vary from case to case, and it is a good idea to speak with a social security lawyer in this situation. 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 this happens, it is important to speak to a social security lawyer in order to know your next steps.
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