Bring these Questions to Your Social Security Lawyer

09/19/08

Q: Will my children get benefits if I get SSI?

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. Whether or not your children will receive benefits depends on your earnings records. 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. Talk to a social security lawyer for details.

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

A: If you speak to a social security lawyer, he or she will explain to you the consequences of SSI being a need based program. 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 • Automobiles • Owned Property

Though it is possible to be approved for SSI if you own a vehicle and one home, owning too many assets or "resources" can reduce your chances. 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: Will they take away my benefits if I sell my house and make money off of it?

A: Like with most social security questions, the correct answer to this varies from person to person, and it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer. If you do make money from the sale of a home, the amount of money you make will be the deciding factor in the effect on your SSI. 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. And if that money stays in your possession into future months, your approval to receive SSI benefits may be questioned. If this happens, it is important to speak to a social security lawyer in order to know your next steps.