Your SS Questions Answered: Without Having to Pay a Social Security Lawyer

02/03/09

Q: If I get Supplemental Security Income benefits, will my children get them, too?

A: When applying for Social Security (whether you work with a social security lawyer or navigate the process on your own), you need to keep in mind the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplement Security Income, or 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. Because SSI is considered to be a need based program, dependant benefits are not offered.

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. Everybody who is approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is not necessarily approved for dependent benefits. Those without a sufficient earnings history might not be approved. For more information, speak with a social security lawyer.

Q: Can I still get SSI benefits if I have money in the bank?

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.

In general, the following are considered "resources" that count towards your income:

• Cash • Bank Accounts • Stocks and Bonds • Real Estate • Life Insurance Policies • 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. But since rules and limits change from state to state, it is best to speak with a social security lawyer.

Q: If I sell my home and make a profit, will I lose my benefits?

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.