subject: Do Not Let Filing Your Claim For Ssi In Illinois Intimidate You [print this page] Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be necessary for you if you are disabled and cannot support yourself through working. This program was originally created in 1974 was a way to replace state-run programs that served similar people. Thats why when you apply for SSI in Illinois; you are going through the same process as claimants in other states. The money that pays out through SSI in Illinois comes from the U.S. Treasury general funds instead of the social security trust funds.
Compensation Based On Need
You cant receive SSI in Chicago unless you qualify, and qualifications are mostly based on your income. Before you start your claim process for SSI in Chicago, you should know exactly how and if you qualify for these monthly payments. The three main criteria to qualify for SSI are need, disability, and little to no assets. This is straight forward, unless you are talking about disability. Most claimants who are applying for disability payments through SSI in Chicago will get denied because they did not understand how to support their claim, or what it means to be disabled.
What Does Disabled Mean?
Disability has a very specific definition in the social security world. It means the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (work) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which has lasted or can be expected to last a continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death. Did you follow that? Basically, you must have a substantial impairment that lasts at least a year, or is so serious that it could result in your death. If you dont meet this definition, you are not eligible to receive SSI in Illinois.
Where To Go For Help
There are many resources available when you are applying for SSI in Chicago. One you may want to consider is the local Social Security Administration field office. You can find the nearest office on their website at www.socialsecurity.gov. When you meet with the representative about applying for SSI in Illinois, bring all the information you can that will be relevant. That means medical records, your birth certificate, your social security card, and your work and financial information, including housing documents like a mortgage or a lease. All of this will help the representative to determine your eligibility for SSI in Chicago.
When In Doubt, Turn to An Advocate
You dont have to go through your claims process alone. A social security attorney is a wonderful resource for you during this time, and will know all about applying for SSI in Chicago. Even if you believe your case to be unique, an attorney will know the answer, or know where to look for the answer. Make sure you hire an attorney with experience in social security. This is particularly important because the social security system can be such a bureaucratic quagmire with a first timer representing you, it may not be any easier. And that is the whole point of hiring an attorney, to make this process less painful and easier to get through.
