Supplemental Security Income

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes).

The program was inacted to help the aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income by providing them with monetary assistance to meet the basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

How do I know if I am eligible?

You may be eligible if you are:

• aged *65+; or
• blind; or
• disabled; and
• limited in resources and income;and
• not be absent from the country for more than 30 days;and
• a U.S. citizen or national or certain categories of aliens; and
• a resident of the United States or the District of Columbia or the Northern Mariana Islands

*If you are aged 65+ and not blind or disabled, you still may qualify if you are limited in resources and income.

Eligibility requirements are subject to change. Always check with the Social Security Administration for the latest eligibility information.

If you have filed a protest or have been denied, contact us immediately to find out how we can help.

How do I apply?

You can:

• call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and schedule an appointment. You may request your appointment be conducted by phone or in person at your local Social Security office; or
• go to your local Social Security office. (without a prescheduled appointment the wait time can be substantial)

To help you get ready for your disability claims interview, the Social Security Administration publishes the Disability Starter Kit. To obtain a copy you can:

• call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213; or
• go to your local Social Security office; or
• logon to www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm

To find an office near you, use the Social Security office locator

The Social Security representative may not fully understand your situation and incorrectly advise you of your eligibility. Always insist on filing your application.

If you have filed a protest or have been denied, contact us immediately to find out how we can help.

When should I apply?

You should apply as soon as possible. Benefits will not be paid prior to your application effective date.

If you call Social Security for an appointment to apply and you file an application within 60 days of the call, they will use the date of your call as your application filing date.

How long does it take?

The application interview typically lasts about one hour.

The average application processing time is between three to five months.

Will I receive back payments?

Only from the application's effective date.

What if I am denied?

If you are denied, Social Security is required to provide you with a written notice of your denial. You must have this notice to proceed with an appeal.

Always keep a copy of everything you receive from the Social Security Administration.

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal.

You have the right to be represented by an attorney.

If you have filed a protest or have been denied, contact us immediately to find out how we can help.

How much will legal representation cost?

We are available for a no cost, no obligation consultation to answer questions about your social security claim.

If you need legal representation, our services are performed on a "contingency fee" basis with no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses to you. We only get paid if you get paid.

If you have filed a protest or have been denied, contact us immediately to find out how we can help.