3 Things To Do Before Applying For SSI
If you are disabled, you could be hoping that you will qualify for social security income (SSI) benefits. If you are thinking about applying, you should know that there are a few steps that you may want to take first. This can help you ensure that things go smoothly when you do apply.
1. Determine if You Qualify
First of all, before you spend your time filling out the paperwork and going through the process to apply for SSI, you may want to check if you are eligible. First of all, you must be older than 62, blind or disabled. Additionally, you must fulfill other requirements; for example, you must have a limited income and limited resources, you must be in the United States illegally, and you must not spend more than a certain amount of time each year out of the country. If you look over the list that is provided by the Social Security Administration, you can get an idea of whether or not you may get approved for SSI.
2. Gather Supporting Paperwork
Secondly, before you start working on applying for social security SSI, you will want to gather up the supporting paperwork that you will need. For example, you will need proof of your name and identity. If you are 62 or older, you'll need to be able to prove how old you are. If you are applying for benefits because of a disability, you may need proof -- such as medical documents and letters from your doctor -- to help prove that you are disabled. If you tell your doctor that you are applying for benefits, he or she should be able to help you with proving your case.
3. Speak to an Attorney
Even though you can take the steps of applying for disability on your own, you may want to speak to an attorney instead. Then, you will have someone who knows how to fill out the paperwork and who can help you with things like proving your case. This can simplify the process and help you ensure that you get approved for a minimal wait.
If you are unable to work and have limited income and resources, you could be hoping that you qualify for SSI benefits. Then, you will be able to have a bit of an income coming in to help you get by. If you follow these three steps, you can help ensure success when applying for this benefit.
