Those eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also be entitled to receive Social Security benefits. The application is the same for both; however, your case reviewer may need additional information before approving your request for SSI benefits.
To be eligible to receive SSI, a person must be at least 62 years old, blind or disabled. Additionally, you must have enough work credits to be considered as “insured.” If you filed your application after Dec.1, 1996, then you will need to be either a U.S. citizen or a lawfully resident to receive monthly Social Security benefits.
You must have earned at least one work credit per year from the age of 21 to the time you turn 62 or become disabled or blind to qualify as having enough work credits. A person can earn up to four work credits per year. An individual may accrue up to a maximum of 40 work credits in their lifetime. Any applicant for benefits needs a minimum of six work credits to be eligible for benefits no matter their age.
Blindness will automatically qualify you for SSI benefits. You’ll typically need to have accumulated at least 20 work credits in the last ten years leading to your impairment if you have any other disabilities. If you are younger, then you may qualify for benefits with fewer work credits.
Individuals under the age of 24 may qualify for benefits provided that they’ve accrued at least six work credits during the three years since the onset of their disability. If you are between the ages of 24 and 31, then you’ll need to have banked at least two work credits per year when you become disabled to qualify for benefits. If you are 31 years old or older, then you will need to have built up at least 20 work credits during the last ten years to receive SSI payments.
If you are 62 or older, blind, or otherwise disabled, you may qualify for Social Security benefits. An experienced attorney here in Oklahoma City can help you prepare your application for benefits in hopes that your file’s reviewer approves it.