When You Need an SSI Lawyer

It is no secret that having an SSI lawyer can drastically improve your chances of a successful SSI claim.  As Cleveland disability attorneys, Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA helps many clients get the benefits they need through SSI and SSDI claims.

And yet it is believed that many Ohioans who are eligible to receive SSI benefits do not get the assistance they need.  There are many reasons for this.  Countless individuals are unaware that the SSI program even exists.  Many more fail to file timely appeals for denied claims.  Others simply lack the resources or expertise to collect and submit appropriate documentation of their disabilities.

This does not have to be you!  An experienced disability or SSI lawyer can discuss your options with you, help you navigate the complex Social Security Administration filing and appeals processes, and protect your right to receive the benefits for which you are eligible.

If you or a loved one suffer from a disability and need to explore your benefits options, call Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA today to schedule your free consultation.  Or, to learn more about SSI benefits and whether they may be available for you, continue reading below.

What are SSI benefits?

SSI stands for supplemental security income.  Supplemental security income benefits, like Social Security disability (SSD or sometimes SSDI), are administered by the Social Security Administration.

Supplemental security income is available to eligible individuals with disabilities whose assets and income fall below certain federally-set levels.  In short, SSI is a needs-based program for those with disabilities who do not have sufficient finances to care for themselves.

How are SSI and SSD different?

Among clients with disabilities, this is the big question.  Most people have heard of Social Security disability but not SSI.

So what is the difference?  There are quite a few, but for our purposes we can discuss the two programs in broad terms.  Social Security disability is a program that functions like insurance.  Individuals who work pay Social Security taxes, which act as a sort of premium payment.  By working a certain amount of time—thereby paying sufficient tax “premiums”—these individuals become eligible for benefits from the Social Security disability program.

In other words, SSD is available only to those who have worked and paid in.  But what about those whose disabilities or circumstances have never allowed them to work?

Those individuals may apply for SSI.

What can an SSI lawyer do?

Before mentioning all the ways that an SSI lawyer can help you, there is one thing to remember.  Whether you are considering filing a claim, have filed and are awaiting a response, or have recently received a denial, an attorney can help you.  No matter where you are in the claim process, know that it is never too late to retain counsel to protect your right to benefits.

Of course, having an attorney advise you from the outset is recommended.  Your SSI lawyer will thoroughly document, supplement, and compile your medical and financial records to paint a full picture of your SSI eligibility.  By filing a thorough application at the outset, your attorney can increase the likelihood of a successful and expedited application.

Your attorney can help you determine if your disability qualifies for SSI, or if a special explanation of your particularly circumstances may be required to obtain benefits.  Likewise, your attorney will file and prepare you for your appeal should it be necessary.  At this stage, you and your attorney will be given the opportunity to argue why a denied claim was made in error.  An attorney’s litigation and preparation experience is invaluable during this time.

In addition to interacting with the SSA on your behalf, your SSI lawyer will also advise you on potential additional sources of benefits or assistance, maximize the value of SSI benefits awarded, and help you understand the full measure of benefits available in your case.

Consult a Disability Lawyer Now

If you or a loved one suffer from a disability, you need an experienced disability lawyer to help you obtain all of the benefits, compensation, and financial assistance you deserve.  A disability, SSD, and SSI lawyer from Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA will fight for you when you need it most.

Call or email now to schedule your free consultation.