How to Apply for SSI in MA

SSI or Supplemental Security Income is a Social Security Administration run program that provides financial assistance to the disabled or blind over the age of 65. Under this program, the disabled, and those with no other income source, receive financial assistance to cover their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

As a federal program, those approved to receive SSI benefits receive monthly payments. SSI is supplemented with additional funding in the state of Massachusetts (MA), and is also called the State Supplement Program.

SSI in Massachusetts

Here are some details on how to file for Supplemental Security Income in Massachusetts:

Step 1: Filling in the form

Individuals wishing to file for SSI in Massachusetts can do so in person in one of the local Social Security district offices. It is best to undertake a thorough assessment of eligibility criteria for disability benefits. Understanding the criteria helps a potential beneficiary in collecting the required documents, records and certificates needed to prove eligibility.

Step 2: Obtaining a medical release and income evaluation

One of the compelling reasons to provide accurate details is to ensure benefits are awarded from the actual onset of the disability, without loss in financial aid. Typically, a claims representative helps applicants complete this step, allowing them to obtain a medical release.

An evaluation of income and other resources may be conducted at this stage to assess individual eligibility for SSI.

Step 3: Disability assessment

Once the disability application is filled, the claim is forwarded to a Massachusetts Disability Determination Services office. Here, it is assigned to a disability examiner for an assessment of the information provided by the applicant. This includes reviewing the disability information, medical records provided, etc. There is a separate medical report form that contains the applicant’s disability history.

Step 4: Determination of a qualified disability

The disability stated on the application form for SSI benefits in MA is evaluated to determine the onset of the disability and the treatment being taken to resolve it. The disability onset date influences the amount of benefits an individual will receive, as well as eligibility for Medicare. In terms of disability, the medical records of current treatment should not be more than three months old. In a case where the disability records are more than three months old, the applicant may need to undertake a medical exam to evaluate the current disability status.

Step 5: Awaiting results on an open claim

Once an applicant’s paperwork is in place, the wait for information on the status of claim begins. Approval for disability claims is dependent on a number of factors, including how closely the rules outlined for application are followed. It must be noted though, that more applications are rejected than approved.

Step 6: Disability hearing

The disability hearing is the final step in the process for filing a claim for SSI benefits. In Massachusetts, a disability hearing may be determined by the area the claim has been filed in, and the number of applications waiting to be processed.

Why You Need a Professional

Due to the fact that the rates of rejection are higher than the rates of approval for disability claims, an individual applying for SSI will benefit from professional assistance when filing the claim. A well-prepared case can help increase the changes of approval. The rate of approval for SSI in Massachusetts is considered higher (around 40%) than the national average (approximated at about 32%). However, this still means that a large number of claims are rejected.

While redressal is available for rejections in the form of a second hearing, the approval rate figures are equally low at this stage. Only about 22% of all appeals are approved in Massachusetts. While this is higher than the national average, it still reveals that rejection is more likely than approval.

While approval is not guaranteed, having a professional SSI lawyer on your side can improve chances for your application being approved.

Having the guidance of a professional can prove helpful in several ways:

  • Preparing a stronger case
  • Presenting a disability as needed by law, thus proving the need for financial assistance
  • Understanding the delays that go into the case and preparing accordingly
  • Helping individuals understand the process and prepare for it better

A professional SSI lawyer can also guide individuals better when it comes to a reconsideration appeal.

Apart from the trauma of dealing with a disability, financial worries can hinder the wellness of a disability applicant. A professional can help deal with these circumstances better.

At Legal Rights Advocates, PLLC, we help clients apply for disability benefits . Our team of attorneys, over the years, has helped countless individuals throughout the disability application process, helping them understand and work effectively with the system to ensure positive results.

If you are interested in learning more about how to apply for SSI in Massachusetts, or if you need help with the process, call us at (855) 254-7841 for immediate assistance.

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