What Is Supplemental Security Income?

March 13, 2013

For thousands of Americans who are unable to work due to a disability, Social Security benefits may not be enough to make ends meet. To address this issue, the Social Security Administration created a program called Supplemental Security Income to help fill certain financial gaps.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the program is offered to anyone who is disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. The individual must be a resident of the United States and citizenship is required, except for certain categories of aliens.

A claimant can receive up to $710 per month in benefits. The total jumps to $1,066 for a married couple. Dependents of beneficiaries can also receive up to $356 per month.

On top of the monetary benefits a claimant will receive from Supplemental Security Income, an approval for these benefits could also give a claimant access to other programs as well, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The total amount of benefits an individual will receive once approved is determined by that person’s non-Social Security related income.

As with any other Social Security application, a majority of claims are initially denied by the agency; however, an individual has a right to appeal the decision.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin urge anyone who is preparing to file a claim for benefits or has a claim that has been denied to contact their team of qualified attorneys to discuss your legal rights.