A Social Security Lawyer Answers your Questions
Q: If I get Supplemental Security Income benefits, will my children get them, too?
A: When you consult a social security lawyer or apply for Social Security on your own, it is important to keep in mind that there are big differences between Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While those that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits may be able to obtain benefits for their children (a social security lawyer can help with the process), those that apply only for SSI cannot. The reason for this is that SSI is given based only upon need, and so benefits are not offered to dependents.
If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, on the other hand, it is possible to obtain benefits for minor children in some cases. Your dependent children’s ability to get benefits will generally be based on your past earnings. Not all of those who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits qualify for dependents’ benefits. Those with a short work history may not qualify. Talk to a social security lawyer for details.
Q: If I have money in my bank account, can I be approved for SSI benefits?
A: Any social security lawyer will tell you: because SSI is a need based program, all resources and income will be counted towards qualification. Those that qualify for SSI must earn little money and have few assets. And while every state has a slightly different resource limit for qualifying for SSI, there are a few general guidelines that a social security lawyer will give you when looking over your application.
See below for some of the things that are generally considered a resource, and which will be considered a part of your income.
• Cash
• Bank Accounts
• Stocks and Bonds
• Real Estate
• Life Insurance
• Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles
• Personal Property
While you may qualify for SSI benefits if you own a car or your own home, having too many resources or too much money in the bank will affect your eligibility. In general you must have less than $2000 in the bank for an individual, or $3000 for a couple, to qualify for SSI. However, you will want to talk to a social security lawyer about the specific requirements for your state.
Q: Will they take away my benefits if I sell my house and make money off of it?
A: The answer to this question will vary from case to case, and it is a good idea to speak with a social security lawyer in this situation. If you sell your home and make a profit, the amount of profit will determine your continued SSI benefits. If you make enough money from selling your house to go over your resources’ “allowable value,” you will become ineligible for SSI during that month. If, however, you maintain those “over value” resources in a bank account into the next months, your eligibility for SSI benefits may come into question. If this happens, it is important to speak to a social security lawyer in order to know your next steps.
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