Los Angeles SSI/Supplemental

Security Income

Obtaining Supplemental Security Income for disability in Los Angeles
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government benefits program for low income citizens aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.  If eligible for SSI, you may file a claim at your local Social Security office.  Unfortunately, not all justified claims are approved.  The Los Angeles Law Offices of Lawrence D. Rohlfing has decades of experience, enabling our firm to successfully obtain SSI disability benefits for our clients.

Who receives SSI in Los Angeles?
If you are aged 65 or older, blind, and/or disabled, you may receive Supplemental Security Income in Los Angeles providing your income and resource levels are low enough to qualify.  SSI is a needs-based benefit program meant to augment low income and distressed families.  To receive SSI, your income, resources, and residence are evaluated for eligibility. 

Income
Income is defined as:
- Money received—wages, social security benefits and pensions
- Food and shelter (under some circumstances)

Conversely, things not counted as income for eligibility include:
- Food stamps
- Shelter provided by private nonprofit organizations
- Most home energy assistance programs

If married, part of your spouse’s income and resources are included in determining eligibility.  If a minor, part of your parent’s resources and income are counted.

Resources
Resources considered separately include: 
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- Stocks & bonds
 
Resources not factored in the determination of eligibility include: 
- Your home and the land it is on
- Life insurance policies with a value of $1,500 or less
- Your vehicle (usually)
- Family burial plots
- Burial funds of $1,500 or less for you and spouse
 
Residence
Residence qualifications include: 
- United States or Northern Mariana Islands resident
- U.S. citizen or national
- Public community residence
- Emergency homeless shelter residence
 
Medical conditions apply in Los Angeles Supplemental Security Income eligibility. You must have a physical or mental impairment preventing substantial gainful work, or an existing condition or condition expected to exist for at least one year.

Unlike disability benefits, SSI has no waiting period.  Supplemental Security Income claims in Los Angeles may also be filed for disabled minor children—however, income level criteria applies.

If your SSI claim is denied, you have the right of appeal and legal representation in your appeal.

Contact a Los Angeles Supplemental Security Law Firm
If you feel you meet SSI eligibility for benefits and need legal assistance with your claim, contact us today for a consultation.  The Los Angeles Law Offices of Lawrence D. Rohlfing represents clients on a contingency fee basis—our fee is a percentage of recovered benefits.