Augusta Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorneys

Helping You Get the Benefits You Deserve

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the SSI program, and it is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

SSI is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. If you are disabled and have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for SSI benefits.

At Affleck & Gordon, our Augusta Supplemental Security Income lawyers have been helping people in Georgia get the benefits they deserve for over 40 years. We can help you understand the SSI process, determine your eligibility, and apply for benefits. If your claim has been denied, we can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you need.

Contact us online or by phone at (404) 990-3945 to schedule a free consultation with our Augusta SSI attorneys today.

What Are the Benefits of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Despite the many benefits of SSI, some eligible individuals are unaware of the program's potential advantages and end up missing out on the opportunities, which include:

• Financial Support: One of the primary benefits of SSI is financial assistance. Individuals who are eligible for the program receive monthly cash benefits that can help them cover some of their living expenses. The amount of benefit depends on various factors, including household income, living arrangements, and disabilities or medical conditions. This financial support can be used to pay for essentials, such as food, rent, and clothing.
• Medicaid Coverage: In addition to financial assistance, SSI also provides coverage for healthcare through Medicaid. Eligible individuals automatically receive Medicaid coverage, which means they have access to necessary medical care, medications, and other treatments without worrying about the costs. This coverage can be crucial, especially for those with severe medical conditions that require ongoing care and treatment. Medicaid can cover everything from doctor's visits to prescription medications, and it can save beneficiaries thousands of dollars annually.
• Social Security Work Credits Not Required: Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI does not require that applicants have a work history or any work credits. This means that even if you've never worked or haven't worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for SSI. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability or medical condition.
• Eligibility for Other Benefits: In Georgia, individuals who receive SSI are also eligible for other benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or energy assistance. These benefits can be used to supplement the monthly cash benefit received through SSI, further helping to cover the basic needs. Moreover, individuals who receive SSI are also eligible for housing assistance in some cases.
• Long-Term Benefits: Finally, SSI can provide long-term benefits to eligible individuals. Since the program is specifically designed to assist those with low income and disabilities or medical conditions, beneficiaries can receive support for as long as they remain eligible. This can be incredibly helpful for those who are unable to work or those who don't have support from family or friends to help them meet their basic needs.

Who Is Eligible for SSI?

SSI is available to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. To qualify for SSI, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are 65 years of age or older, blind, or disabled.
• You are a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of a few certain categories of aliens.
• You are a resident of one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
• You do not have more than $2,000 in countable resources if you are single or $3,000 if you are married.
• You do not have more than $20 in monthly income that is not counted.
• You meet the living arrangement requirements.

SSI is not available to individuals who are already receiving Social Security benefits. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits instead.

How to Apply for SSI in Augusta, GA

If you are eligible for SSI, you can apply for benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application process can be complex, and it is important to provide all the necessary information and documentation to support your claim.

At Affleck & Gordon, our Augusta Supplemental Security Income attorneys can help you understand the application process, gather the necessary documentation, and submit your claim. We can help you avoid mistakes that could delay your claim or result in a denial of benefits.

When applying for SSI, you will need to provide the following information:

• 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.

After you have submitted your application, the SSA will review your claim and determine your eligibility for benefits. If your claim is approved, you will receive a notice of award that will tell you how much you will receive in benefits and when your payments will begin.

If your claim is denied, you will receive a notice of denial that will explain why your claim was denied and how you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to appeal a denial of benefits, so it is important to act quickly.

How to Appeal a Denial of SSI Benefits

If your claim for SSI benefits is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process consists of four levels, and you have 60 days to request an appeal from the date you receive your notice of denial.

The four levels of appeal are as follows:

• Reconsideration: At the reconsideration level, your claim will be reviewed by someone who did not take part in the first decision. You can provide additional information and documentation to support your claim. If your claim is denied at the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing.
• Hearing: At the hearing level, you can present your case to an administrative law judge (ALJ). You can provide additional information and documentation, and you can bring witnesses to testify on your behalf. The ALJ will review your case and make a decision. If your claim is denied at the hearing level, you can request a review by the Appeals Council.
• Appeals Council: At the Appeals Council level, the Appeals Council will review your case and decide whether to review the ALJ’s decision. If the Appeals Council decides to review the decision, it will either decide your case or return it to the ALJ for further review. If the Appeals Council decides not to review the decision, or if it decides to review the decision and does not change it, the ALJ’s decision will become the final decision of the SSA. If your claim is denied at the Appeals Council level, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
• Federal Court: At the federal court level, a federal judge will review your case and decide whether the SSA’s decision should be upheld. If the judge decides in your favor, your case will be returned to the SSA for further review. If the judge decides against you, the SSA’s decision will stand.

At Affleck & Gordon, our Augusta Supplemental Security Income lawyers can help you appeal a denial of benefits. We can help you gather additional information and documentation to support your claim, and we can represent you at your hearing before an ALJ. We will fight for your rights and help you get the benefits you deserve.

How Our Augusta Supplemental Security Income Lawyers Can Help

Our Augusta Supplemental Security Income attorneys understand the SSI process, and we know what it takes to get a claim approved. We can help you understand your rights and options, and we will guide you through every step of the process.

When you choose us to handle your SSI claim, you can expect:

• Experience: We have been helping people in Georgia get the benefits they deserve for over 40 years. We have a proven track record of success, and we know what it takes to win.
• Knowledge: We understand the SSI process, and we know how the SSA operates. We can help you understand your rights and options, and we will guide you through every step of the process.
• Personalized Service: We are a small firm, and we take a hands-on approach to every case we handle. When you hire us, you will work directly with one of our experienced attorneys. We will take the time to get to know you and understand your needs, and we will tailor our approach to achieve your goals.
• Results: We have a proven track record of success, and we have helped thousands of people in Georgia get the benefits they deserve. We will fight for your rights and do everything we can to help you get the benefits you need.

At Affleck & Gordon, we handle all Supplemental Security Income cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. We are only paid if we get you the benefits you deserve.

Ready to talk? Give our Augusta SSI lawyers a call at (404) 990-3945 or reach out to us online today to schedule a free consultation with our team.