Is a disability, chronic illness, or other medical conditions keeping you from working? You are certainly not alone. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are more than 11 million people receiving Social Security disability benefits nationwide. There are two main Social Security disability programs: 

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); and
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Notably, SSI plays a crucial role in providing financial support to individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is a needs-based program that does not require a work history or contributions to the Social Security system in order to qualify for benefits. Here, our Phoenix Social Security disability provides a comprehensive overview of the role of SSI. 

What is SSI?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) explains that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on prior work history. Instead, it is a strictly needs-based federal disability program designed to help those with financial hardship meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. 

An Overview of Eligibility for SSI Disability Benefits

SSDI is considered to be the primary federal Social Security disability program. Indeed, the majority of people who are receiving Social Security disability benefits qualify through SSDI. However, for those who might not meet SSDI’s eligibility standards—most notably its age-based work history requirement—SSI offers another path to qualifying for Social Security disability coverage. Here is an overview of the key things to know about the SSI disability eligibility criteria: 

• Technical Eligibility: The most important point to remember is that SSI is a means-tested program. In other words, it is reserved for people with limited income and limited financial resources. To be technically eligible, an applicant must satisfy both income tests and financial resource tests. In 2024, the maximum federal benefit rate (FBR) for an individual is $943 per month, and an applicant’s countable income must fall below this threshold. In addition, the applicant must not have countable resources exceeding $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Countable resources include assets such as cash, bank accounts, and investment holdings. Although certain financial assets, such as a primary residence and one vehicle, may be exempt from calculations. 
• Medical Eligibility: To qualify for SSI disability benefits, an applicant must also prove that they have a medically determinable disability in the eyes of the law. The medical eligibility standards for SSI are similar to the medical eligibility standards for SSDI. Medical eligibility is determined under the SSA’s definition of disability (42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)). To meet this standard, the claimant must demonstrate that they are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to one or more medically determinable impairments. These impairments must be expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death. SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to assess medical eligibility, considering the severity of the impairment, whether it meets or equals a listed condition in the Blue Book, and the claimant’s residual functional capacity in relation to available work in the economy more broadly. 

Building an SSI disability claim can be complicated. If you have any specific questions or concerns about meeting technical eligibility requirements or medical eligibility requirements, an experienced Phoenix, AZ Social Security disability lawyer can help you determine the best path forward. 

You Have the Right to Appeal a Denial of an SSI Disability Claim

An SSI disability denial is stressful and frustrating. However, it is by no means the end of the road. You have the right to challenge an initial SSI disability denial. The SSA offers a multi-step appeals process designed to ensure fair review. With that being said, it is a must that you act quickly. You generally have only 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice to request an appeal. Your appeal starts with a request for reconsideration. If necessary, you can escalate the appeal to higher levels of review. An experienced SSI disability appeals lawyer can help. 

The appeals process for a denied SSI disability claim consists of four levels: reconsideration, administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court review. At the first level—reconsideration—a different SSA reviewer will re-examine your application and any new evidence. If the reconsideration decision is also unfavorable, you may request a hearing before an ALJ, where you can present testimony and bring witnesses, including medical experts. If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask for a review by the Social Security Appeals Council, which may uphold, modify, or reverse the decision. If all administrative remedies are exhausted without success, the final step is to file a lawsuit in federal court. 

How Paul J. Dombeck Can Help With an SSI Disability Claim in Arizona

Supplemental Security Income disability cases are complicated. If you are preparing to apply for benefits, you may have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we are a firm that handles all types of Social Security disability cases in Arizona, including both SSDI and SSI. No matter the specific circumstances that you find yourself in, our Phoenix SSI lawyer is standing by, ready to help you find the solution. Your initial consultation with our Social Security disability law firm is free, confidential, and carries zero obligations.  

Contact Our Phoenix SSI Disability Attorney for a Free Case Review

At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, our Phoenix Social Security disability lawyer has extensive experience handling SSI cases. If you have any questions or concerns about the SSI claims process, we are here as a trusted legal resource. Contact us right away for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With an office in Phoenix, we handle SSI disability claims in Maricopa County and throughout the surrounding Arizona region.