For millions of Americans, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a crucial source of income that helps take care of their personal needs. However, most people do not know if they might even be eligible for SSI, much less whether they should apply for it. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can know if you, or someone you love, might be eligible for SSI benefits:
- They are disabled and under the age of eighteen
- One common reason that people will seek SSI benefits is they have a child under the age of eighteen with a disability that requires constant care. Often, this means someone suffering from a congenital disability that they have had since birth, and will have their entire lives. In these cases, SSI can help cover the costs of caring for them and ensuring their needs will be met.
- They are an adult with chronic health problems
- However, children are not the only people who may suffer from chronic health issues. Many adults also suffer from chronic health problems, which may be the result of a genetic disorder or other issue they have no control over. Adults with severe enough conditions may need SSI benefits to help them pay their bills, especially if they cannot otherwise work on their own.
- They were injured in an accident
- People may also need to apply for SSI benefits if they become severely injured in an accident. This may include injuries from an accident that occurs in their workplace, or a car accident, or anything else that may result in long-term harm. In some cases, an accident may leave someone unable to work indefinitely, resulting in the need for Social Security disability benefits.
- They are suffering from a severe illness
- Sometimes, a disability does not come from an injury, but instead is the product of a severe illness. Of course, many illnesses can be debilitating on their own, such as cancer, heart disease, or HIV, but the lingering effects of a disease can also be disabling, even once it has been cured. As a result, many people who seek SSI benefits will have one of these severe illnesses.
- They are dealing with a debilitating psychological ailment
- Not all disabilities are physical in nature. Instead, many people who seek SSI benefits will suffer from a psychological problem that keeps them from being able to work. This may include issues such as major depression, OCD, PTSD, or schizophrenia, among many others.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
