Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monetary and medical benefits to adults and children who are blind or disabled and who have also met applicable non-disability income and resources requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to submit certain documents to pay benefits and help determine the proper amount of a benefit award.
The documents needed to file a claim depend on the circumstances of an applicant’s claim. The SSA requires original documents and will not accept photocopies, but if the original is not available, it will accept a certified copy from the office that issued the original document. Original documents are normally returned to applicants.
Applicants should keep copies of all documentation sent to the SSA, while also noting the date sent, date of any other communication, ant the name of the SSA representative with whom the applicant communicated.
An applicant may not need all of the documents listed in this article as the documents are not all–inclusive. It is possible that one document may in fact substitute for another. The SSA typically informs applicants what documents are needed and acceptable, and may even help applicants obtain their required documents.
SSI applicants must apply for a Social Security number if they do not have one. If necessary, a number will be assigned at the time Social Security determines that an applicant is eligible to receive SSI benefits. If proof of age has already been provided by an applicant when he or she initially applied for Social Security benefits, it will not again be necessary for SSI benefits. Applicants may prove age by providing:
- a public birth record recorded before age 5; or
- a religious birth record recorded before age 5; or
- other documents showing age or date of birth.
To prove natural citizenship, examples of documents which may be necessary proof include:
- a birth certificate showing a place of birth in the United States; or
- a religious record of birth or baptism showing place of birth in the United States; or
- naturalization certificate; or
- S. passport or passport card; or
- certificate of citizenship.
For applicants who are resident aliens, examples of necessary documents may include:
- a current immigration document such as an I-551 (Permanent Resident Card); or
- I–94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
Aliens who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces may need their military discharge (form DD–214).
If applying as on behalf of a disabled child, the SSA requires the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals such as teachers, social workers or caregivers who may provide information related to how the applicable medical condition affects the child’s daily activities. Other requirements may apply if the child has an individualized education plan (IEP) at school.
Applicants should not wait to apply for benefits. Once an applicant believes that he or she may be eligible for benefits, contact with an experienced disability attorney is useful. The earliest that SSI benefits are paid is the month after the filing date of a claimant’s application, or the month after all the eligibility requirements are first met, whichever is later. Thus, time is of the essence when it comes to completing and filing an application.
Make sure you understand all of the steps and processes associated with applying for social security disability benefits. Retain the services of a qualified Kentucky Social Security Disability attorney. Contact Sullivan Law Office today. We offer free consultations, so you have absolutely nothing to lose! We look forward to hearing from you. Call 888-587-0228 or visit us online.
