Your SS Questions Answered: Without Having to Pay a Social Security Lawyer
Q: Will my children get benefits if I get SSI?
A: When applying for Social Security (whether you work with a social security lawyer or navigate the process on your own), you need to keep in mind the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplement Security Income, or SSI. While those that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits may be able to obtain benefits for their children (a social security lawyer can help with the process), those that apply only for SSI cannot. The reason for this is that SSI is given based only upon need, and so benefits are not offered to dependents.
With Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, however, you may be able to obtain benefits for your minor children. Your dependent children’s 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 with a short work history may not qualify. For more information, speak with a social security lawyer.
Q: Can I still get SSI benefits if I have money in the bank?
A: Any social security lawyer will tell you: because SSI is a need based program, all resources and income will be counted towards qualification. Those that qualify for SSI must earn little money and have few 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.
In general, the following are considered “resources” that count towards your income:
• Cash
• Money in the Bank
• Stocks and other Investments
• Land, Homes, etc.
• Life Insurance Policies
• Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles
• Personal Property
While you may qualify for SSI benefits if you own a car or your own home, having too many resources or too much money in the bank will affect your eligibility. In general you must have less than $2000 in the bank for an individual, or $3000 for a couple, to qualify for SSI. But since rules and limits change from state to state, it is best to speak with a social security lawyer.
Q: Will they take away my benefits if I sell my house and make money off of it?
A: Like with most social security questions, the correct answer to this varies from person to person, and it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer. If you sell your home and make a profit, the amount of profit will determine your continued SSI benefits. 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. If, however, you maintain those “over value” resources in a bank account into the next months, your eligibility for SSI benefits may come into question. If this happens, it is important to speak to a social security lawyer in order to know your next steps. .