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 assist its determination of a benefit award. The documents needed depend on the circumstances of an applicant’s claim.
Applicants should not wait to apply for benefits. Once an applicant believes that he or she may be eligible for benefits, consulting an experienced disability attorney is advantageous. 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.
Applicants must provide documentation that substantiates income, as well as evidence of work expenses that may reduce income. This proof may include:
- Evidence of earned Income such as payroll stubs, or if the applicant is self–employed, a tax return from the most recent tax year;
- Evidence of unearned Income such as any records indicating eligibility for an award or bank statements, court orders, and any other receipts indicating an amount received, as well as the frequency and source of such income.
In addition to demonstrating proof of income, applicants must show proof of other assets and resources such as:
- bank statements for each checking and savings account;
- certificates of deposit, stocks, or bonds;
- certificates of title or registrations for vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and mobile homes;
- deed or tax appraisal statement for any real property owned in addition to a personal residence;
- life or disability insurance policies;
- burial contracts, burial plots.
Proof of living arrangements must be shown by SSI applicants. An applicant may do so by providing:
- a lease or rent receipt;
- names, dates of births, and Social Security numbers for all household members;
- deed or property tax bill; and
- receipts for other household expenses such as a mortgage, food, and utilities.
If filing as blind or disabled, an applicant must indicate medical sources such as:
- medical reports;
- the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and other health care providers and the dates of treatment;
- the names of the prescription and non-prescription medications taken by an applicant.
Evidence of work history may be shown by:
- job titles;
- names of employers;
- job description including job duties for the type of work performed;
- type of business;
- dates and hours worked daily and weekly; and
- days worked weekly, and the rates of pay for work an applicant performed in the 15 years prior to becoming unable to work because of illness, injuries, or other conditions.
The assistance of an experienced disability attorney may help you navigate the often lengthy and complicated process of applying for disability benefits. Retain the services of an experienced, knowledgeable, and qualified Social Security Disability attorney. We offer free consultations, so there is absolutely nothing to lose! Contact the Sullivan Law Office to get the help you need in the Louisville metro area. Call 888-587-0228 or visit us online.
