SSI/Medical/Medicare Assistance

What Makes Someone Eligible for SSI?

Roman Empire can provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) support to consumers with developmental disabilities that are already receiving independent living skills (ILS) from the agency.  

We also provide SSI support to consumers who wish only to receive assistance with applying, appealing, or filling out documentation from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What is SSI and How Does it Work?

In working toward our ultimate goal of supporting consumers by increasing their independent living skills, we provide opportunities for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Roman Empire assists consumers with applying for Supplemental Security Income and appealing if denied. Roman Empire has a 90% success rate for helping consumers collect funds from the original SSI application date.

Independent Living Skills include money management and assistance utilizing generic resources to lead an independent life.  Some of these generic resources include SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Many consumers utilize SSI as their primary source of income and need a greater understanding of these benefits and how to maintain or apply for SSI.  We will assist consumers with SSI assistance under Independent Living Skills services.

If a consumer has already applied for SSI and was denied benefits, we can assist with the appeal process.  If a consumer receives a Notice of Action (NOA) terminating or questioning SSI benefits, we can assist the consumer with responding to the deadline and providing any documentation needed.  If a consumer receives an NOA requesting a response, we can assist the consumer with responding appropriately.

We are currently assisting Regional Center consumers with SSI matters and appeals.  We have successfully assisted consumers with obtaining and maintaining their benefits through appeals.  During the appeals process, consumers receive support by providing evidence or documentation verifying disability and inability to earn a stable income.

We assist consumers with attaining SSI, even if they already have employment (competitive or supported), and for those that do not have the ability to work.

Is SSI the Same as Social Security?

SSI and Social Security are applied through the Social Security Administration and pay monthly benefits. Aside from this, these benefits are different and require separate qualifications.

People can be eligible for both SSI and Social Security benefits.

SSI

SSI pays benefits to disabled adults and children with limited income and resources.

• Financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury (personal income, corporate, and other taxes.)
  
• Based on earnings (limited resources or limited income: wages, pensions, etc.)
  
• Age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability
  
• Under the age of 18 with a physical or mental condition that significantly limits daily activity, prolonging 12 months or longer, or at risk of death due to the condition
  
• Must be U.S. citizens or nationals of the U.S. (noncitizens qualify in certain circumstances)
  
• Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands (exceptions for children of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty outside of the U.S. and certain students abroad).
  
• Recipients can be eligible to receive food assistance

In contrast, Social Security benefits come from a fund created by taxes paid into the system. This system requires a person to “pay into the system” to receive benefits (working for a set amount of time, paying social security taxes).

Why Do People Get Denied SSI?

The following are the primary reasons people get denied SSI:

• They didn’t return all the necessary forms to the Social Security Administration
• The medical condition or disability won’t last longer than 12 months
• The medical condition doesn’t meet the eligible severity level
• Assets and income exceed the eligible limit
• An important deadline was missed

When applying for SSI, a person is expected to take the time and effort to complete the process thoroughly. Currently, over 69 million people receive benefits from SSA programs, and plenty more are in the process of being accepted. Failing to provide the required documentation, meet deadlines, or prove a genuine need will result in being denied.

How Long Can You Stay on SSI?

When receiving SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration will periodically review the state of your condition to determine if you qualify for continued benefits. How often SSA chooses to review your case will depend on the initial assessment of your condition.

If the condition is expected to improve, SSA may review your case as soon as 6 to 18 months after receiving benefits.

When there’s a possibility that the condition may improve, SSA will likely review your case three years after initially receiving benefits and in three-year intervals after this. If the condition is not expected to improve, SSA may only review your case every seven years.