Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI program is managed by the Social Security Administration. You may be surprised to know that although Social Security manages the SSI program, SSI is not paid for by Social Security taxes. The U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust funds, fund the SSI program.
SSI pays monthly payments to people who have few resources, low income and are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. In addition, parents or guardians of blind or disabled children under age 18 can usually apply for benefits for their children.
Applying for SSI is a process. It helps to have an attorney who is knowledgeable in Social Security law, such as Mayer Gordon. According to the Social Security Administration’s website, when applying for SSI, there are a large number of items you will need to have available. Among them are:
- Your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number;
- Your birth certificate or other proof of your age;
- Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord’s name;
- Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records and other information about your income and the things you own;
- The names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics that you have been to, if you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind;
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status.
Those who receive SSI payments may also be eligible for Social Security benefits, food stamps, Medicaid, and/or help paying for Medicare. It’s important for citizens to know their options and have the advice of a lawyer who can work to help them get the benefits that can help them make ends meet. Consulting an attorney is a wise choice, and also a right that is supported by the Social Security Administration. Mayer Gordon is one of the most qualified attorneys in the state of Michigan and ready to assist you.
