Founding Attorney
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to qualifying individuals. You may be eligible for SSI if you have limited income and resources and are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict guidelines regarding income and resources. However, you can own a car or house and still get SSI in Michigan. Our law firm’s Supplemental Security Income attorneys can assist you with applying for benefits or appealing denied claims.
Who Is Eligible for SSI in Michigan?
SSI is administered jointly by the federal government and the states. According to the SSA, you have a low income if you earn less than $2,019 per month from work. You have limited resources if you possess less than $2,000 in cash and items of value ($3,000 per couple). If you are a parent applying for a child, these resource limits increase by $2,000. Additionally, Michigan’s state income limit is higher.
If you are under age 65, you must also have a qualifying disability. The SSA considers you disabled if you have a condition that has lasted or is expected to last a year or is expected to result in death. Your condition must also prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.
Some Income and Assets Do Not Count Against SSI
There are certain payments and possessions that the SSA does not count against your income or resource limits when determining your eligibility for SSI. These exceptions include your home and the land it is on if you live there, as well as one vehicle per household. Therefore, you can own a car or house and still get SSI in Michigan.
Other exceptions include:
- Supplemental state SSI payments
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Section 8 housing vouchers
- Rent rebates or property tax refunds
- Home energy assistance
- Income tax refunds
- Loans that you must repay
- Grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts used for tuition and educational expenses
- Most personal belongings and household goods
- Tools and equipment you use to earn a living
- Property you cannot use or sell
How to Apply for SSI
When applying for SSI, you must submit thorough documentation establishing that you meet the income and resource limits and have a disability if you are under age 65. You will need to supply the SSA with:
- Payroll stubs or tax returns (if self-employed)
- Bank statements
- Life or disability insurance policies
- Certificates of deposit, stocks, mutual funds, or bonds
- Titles or registrations for vehicles
- Deeds and property tax bills
- Medical records
- Lists of medications you take
- Contact information for your healthcare providers
How to Appeal Denied Claims
Many initial SSI applications get denied. You have the right to appeal, and our law firm can help. We can:
- Ask for a reconsideration – If you believe your income and resources were inaccurately counted, you can ask for a reconsideration of your claim. We can also ask for a review for denials based on disability.
- Represent you during an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing – If the reconsideration is unsuccessful, we can present your claim before an ALJ.
- Ask for an Appeals Council review – If you are not happy with the ALJ ruling, we can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.
- File a case in federal court – Once all of the other options are exhausted, we can file a claim in federal court if necessary.
There are deadlines that apply to filing an appeal and moving the claim forward through each stage of the process, so do not delay.
Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer With Grech Law Firm
For over 25 years, Grech Law Firm has advocated for the rights of people with disabilities and their families. Our Michigan attorneys can help you gather the necessary information to apply for SSI. We can also assist with denied claims, including denials based on income or disability. Contact us online or call today to learn more during a consultation.