Monroe Supplemental Security Income Attorney

Applying for Supplemental Security Income in Louisiana

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal government program offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Though often confused with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is a separate Social Security disability program with distinct eligibility requirements and benefits. Specifically, SSI is a needs-based program offered to individuals with little to no income, resources, and/or assets.

If you need help with any aspect of SSI—from filing an initial application to appealing a denied claim—reach out to our team at Parker Alexander. With decades of legal experience, our Monroe SSI lawyers understand the process and the many complexities involved in obtaining Supplemental Security Income benefits. We can help you navigate this process and work to ensure your rights are protected.

We offer free, no-risk consultations. Call (318) 625-6262 or contact us online to request yours today.

Eligibility Requirements for Supplemental Security Income

To be eligible for SSI, you must meet certain medical and income requirements. SSI is based on financial need; you do not need to have earned any work credits or be “insured” to receive SSI benefits as is the case with Social Security Disability Insurance.

Instead, to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, you must meet the following requirements:

• You have a disability or qualifying condition (including blindness) that prevents you from working and has lasted/is expected to last for at least one year OR you are over the age of 65
• You do not make more than the applicable SSI income limit (as determined by the SSA’s earnings test)/you have limited resources, income, and assets
• You are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident who lives in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands (with some exceptions)

Our attorneys can help you determine if you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Determining if you are eligible can be a difficult and complex process, but our firm has extensive experience in and knowledge of Social Security disability law. We are available to answer any questions you may have and address all your concerns as you navigate the SSI process.

SSI Benefits in Louisiana

Supplemental Security Income benefits are determined by the federal government; however, most states offer a supplemental to qualifying individuals. In Louisiana, this supplement is relatively small and is only available to those living in nursing homes paid for by Medicaid.

As of 2021, the monthly maximum SSI amounts (without the state supplement) are as follows:

• For qualifying individuals: $794
• For qualifying couples (spouses): $1,191
• For qualifying essential persons: $397

A qualifying couple is one in which the individuals are married and at least one is eligible for Social Security disability. An essential person is an individual who lives with and provides essential care for someone who qualifies for SSD benefits.

The monthly amount you may receive can be reduced according to “countable income.” For more information, contact our Monroe SSI attorneys. We are happy to discuss your case in detail during a free, no-obligation consultation.

Can My SSI Claim Be Denied?

Even if you believe you meet all eligibility requirements, your SSI claim may be denied. In fact, most initial Supplemental Security Income claims are denied, including in Louisiana where an estimated 60% of SSD applications are rejected. The good news is that you are permitted to file an appeal and seek to overturn the denial.

The process of appealing a denied SSI claim in Louisiana is very complex; we strongly urge you to work with a qualified attorney who can help you navigate this process and ensure your rights are protected. At Parker Alexander, we understand the challenges you are up against and are prepared to aggressively advocate for you every step of the way. For more information on appealing a denied SSI claim, please visit our Denied Claims page.

Why Choose Parker Alexander?

When you are unable to work and earn a living to support yourself and your family, you need a trusted legal team on your side, one that can help you navigate the complex systems in place and help you recover the benefits you are owed under state and federal law. At Parker Alexander, we not only have decades of combined experience, but we have also earned a reputation in our local community for providing caring, compassionate client service and aggressive, powerful representation.

In our years in practice, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We know the stakes, we know what you are up against, and we know how to help you fight for the benefits you deserve.

Our goal is to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible for you. To that end, we are available for same-day appointments, including on weekends and during evening hours. We are even able to travel to your home or meet you in the hospital if your disability or condition prevents you from traveling easily to our office. As a client, you can expect to be treated with the highest standards of service, integrity, and respect. We provide consistent communication to ensure that you are always up to date on the status of your case, and we are always happy to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have.

Request a Free Consultation Today

At Parker Alexander, we truly care about you and your future. Our Monroe Social Security disability attorneys are ready to work hard to help you obtain the SSI or SSDI benefits you are entitled to receive. We offer complimentary, risk-free consultations and do not collect any attorneys’ fees unless/until we achieve a favorable result on your behalf.

Get in touch with us today to learn more by calling (318) 625-6262 or by filling out and submitting an online contact form.