New Jersey Supplemental Security Income / SSI Lawyer

nj ssi lawyer

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have (a) low or income or limited resources; and (b) are either:

Age 65 or older; or
Blind; or
Disabled.

(a) What Does Low or No Income Mean?

This means that your countable income has to be at or below the allowable income limit, you cannot receive SSI benefits. The allowable income limit is subject to change; you can call us or Social Security to find out the current limit.

Important: Social Security does not count certain sources of income. For example, they do not count (a) the first $20 per month of most income you receive; (b) the first $65 a month you earn from working and 1/2 the amount above $65; (c) food stamps; (d) shelter provided by nonprofit organizations; (e) most kinds of home energy help; (f) if you are a student, some of the income or scholarships you get may not count; (g) if you are disabled but still work, wages you use to pay for items or services that help you to work don't count. For example, if you need a wheelchair, the wages you use to pay for the wheelchair do not count as income when we decide whether you qualify for SSI; (h) Social Security does not count wages a blind person uses for work-related expenses. For example, if a blind person uses wages to pay for a bus fare or other transportation to and from work, the wages used to pay those fares are not counted.

(b) What Does Limited Resources Mean?

This means that the countable value of the things you own must be less than $2,000 if you are single or less than $3,000 if you are married.

Important: Social Security does not count everything you own in deciding whether you have too many resources to qualify for SSI. The value of your home does not count. Usually, the value of your car does not count. And the value of certain other resources, such as a burial plot, may not count either.

Note: The Supplemental Security Income / SSI program is different than the Social Security Disability program, but they are related. See below.

Call us now toll-free at 1-866-634-9849 or send us an email message by clicking here.
We will help you with your Supplemental Security Income / SSI claim and give you the time and attention you deserve.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is SSI (Supplemental Security Income) the Same Thing As Social Security Disability?

No, but they are related. Social Security Disability is a disability program administered by the Social Security Administration that is designed to provide income to people who are unable to work because of a disability. SSI is a needs-based program administered by the Social Security Administration for people who demonstrate financial and resource limitations in addition to medical disability. Hence, if you qualify for benefits under the Social Security Disability program you may be entitled to additional benefits under the SSI program if you meet certain additional requirements.

Can I Get Both Social Security Benefits and SSI?

Yes. You may be able to receive SSI and your monthly Social Security benefits, if your Social Security benefit is low enough to qualify for both kinds of benefits.

Are SSI Benefits Paid to Disabled People Only?

No. SSI payments are also to people who are age 65 or older and have limited income and financial resources. See the What Does Low or No Income Mean? and What Does Limited Resources Mean above.

If I Am Approved for SSI, How Much Money Will I Get??

The basic SSI monthly payment is the same amount throughout the US. As of January 2009, the SSI payment for an person who is approved for SSI is $674.00 per month for an individual or $1,011.00 per month for an eligible couple. However, many states add money to the basic check:

The SSI Additional Payment in New York
The state of New York adds money to the federal payment. The single payment you get in the beginning of each month includes both the federal SSI payment and your supplement from New York.

The SSI Additional Payment in New Jersey
In many cases, the state of New Jersey adds money to the federal payment. The single payment you get in the beginning of each month includes both the federal SSI payment and your supplement from New Jersey.

The SSI Additional Payment in Other States
Several other states add money to the federal payment. For more information, see www.ssa.gov

Will I Be Taxed on Supplemental Security Income Benefits?

At the Federal level, no. Supplemental Security Income payments are not subject to federal taxes. However, if you also receive Social Security benefits, they may be subject to income taxes.

As An SSI Recipient, Do I Qualify for Other Kinds of Government or Public Benefits?

You may qualify. Medicaid eligibility depends on your state. In most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. You should contact your medical assistance office. SSI recipients are also generally eligible for social services provided by the state, city or county where they live. These may include homemaker services, arrangements for meals or transportation. More information is available at the local public assistance office. SSI recipients may also qualify for food stamps in most states.

What Role Does My Doctor or Medical Professional Have in My SSI Claim?

Working closely with your doctor / medical professional during the claim process can be the difference between a successful claim and a claim that gets denied. An experienced attorney like those at The Rosenblum Law Firm will work with your doctor to make sure that he or she understands the important role they play in the claim process and ensure that all documents are gathered and prepared in the correct manner.

What If I Have More Questions?

You should always feel free to call the attorneys at The Rosenblum Law Firm toll-free at 1-866-634-9849 or send us an email message by clicking here. We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.