Supplemental Security Income

Denver Supplemental Security Income Lawyers

Financial stability isn’t always easy to achieve, and it can be especially challenging if you’re older or dealing with a disability that keeps you from being able to work. The Social Security Administration has programs that can provide those in need with financial assistance. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of these programs, and benefits are determined based on the person’s age, whether they have a disability, and financial need.

If you have a qualifying disability and are having difficulty covering your monthly expenses, applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits can help you bridge that gap.

Working with a Social Security Disability attorney who can help you understand the specific eligibility requirements and what your options are if your initial application is denied can ensure you’re prepared for the process.

Navigating the ins and outs of Social Security disability law is challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC, understand the intricacies of Supplemental Security Income benefits and can help you determine if you qualify and help with the appeals process if your initial application is denied. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation and determine whether you may be eligible for these monthly cash payments.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income is one of the main Social Security Disability programs that the Social Security Administration provides. It helps seniors over the age of 65 or those who are blind or have a qualifying disability and meet the income and resource requirements.

Supplemental Security Income is commonly confused with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both are provided through the Social Security Administration, but they are entirely different programs. While SSDI is based on a person’s work history and whether they’ve paid Social Security taxes on income, SSI has no work requirements.

Some states, including Colorado, also offer state supplements in addition to the federal SSI benefits, which can increase the amount you receive every month if you qualify.

Common Reasons SSI Applications Are Denied

Understanding why the Social Security Administration denies Supplemental Security Income claims can help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your application. While each case is unique, certain issues appear frequently in denial notices.

Insufficient medical evidence is one of the most common reasons applications are initially denied. The SSA requires documentation proving that your disability meets its strict definition and prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

If your medical records are incomplete, outdated, or fail to clearly establish the severity of your condition, your claim may be rejected. Working with your health care providers to obtain thorough records that document your diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations is essential.

Earning too much income is another frequent cause of denial. Even if you have a qualifying disability, exceeding the financial limits for SSI benefits makes you ineligible. The SSA will review all income sources, and miscalculating what counts toward these limits can result in a denied application.

Failure to follow prescribed treatment can also lead to denial. If the SSA determines that your condition could improve with medical treatment you have refused or neglected, they may find you ineligible for benefits. Exceptions exist for those who cannot afford treatment or have valid reasons for not following medical advice, but documenting these circumstances is critical.

An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can review your situation, identify potential weaknesses in your claim, and help you address them before submitting your application.

Who Can Receive Benefits From Supplemental Security Income?

There are two primary eligibility requirements for Supplemental Security Income. You must be in a qualifying category and have an income and resources under the financial limits.

Qualifying Category

Social Security Disability claimants applying for SSI benefits must be in one of three categories:

  • Be age 65 or older
  • Be blind
  • Having a qualifying disability

The SSA defines blindness as a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less with corrective lenses or a visual field limitation that narrows the visual field to less than 20 degrees. Those who don’t meet this definition of blindness may still qualify for benefits based on a visual impairment if they meet the disability definition.

The Social Security Administration specifically defines a disability for an adult as having a “medically determinable physical or mental impairment” that leaves the person unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (work) and is expected to either last for at least 12 months or result in death. The definition of disability for children is more general.

To be considered disabled for the purpose of qualifying for SSI benefits, those under 18 must have a physical or mental impairment that results in “marked and severe functional limitations” and is also expected to either last for at least 12 months or result in death.

Financial Limits

To be eligible for SSI benefits, an individual generally must earn less than $2,019 monthly from employment. There are limits on how much you can have in resources, including financial accounts and tangible assets, such as a vehicle. Individuals must have less than $2,000 in resources, while couples can have up to $3,000. A parent applying on behalf of a child may also be subject to higher financial limitations.

How Does the Social Security Administration Determine the Amount of Benefits?

One of the most common questions clients have is how much their SSI benefit amount will be. Supplemental Security Income benefits are determined through a basic formula that takes the SSI Federal Benefit Rate and subtracts any countable income. The more countable income you have, the lower your benefit amount.

The process of determining your benefit amount starts with figuring out your countable income. This is your total gross income, subtracted from any income the Social Security Administration doesn’t count for SSI qualification purposes. Some examples of income that are not counted include:

  • Income tax refunds
  • Value of home energy assistance programs
  • Need-based state aid
  • Income that is low and received irregularly, such as selling clothes on consignment twice a year
  • Value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits

This is not an exhaustive list, and determining what is and is not countable can be challenging. An attorney can help you better understand what income sources will apply toward the financial limits for SSI benefits.

Once your countable income has been determined, it is subtracted from the Federal Benefit Rate. This changes yearly as adjustments are made for cost of living, and is different depending on whether an individual or a couple is applying.

For 2025, the maximum benefit amount for an individual was $967 and $1,450 for a couple. If an individual has $500 a month in countable income, this means they could receive $467 in SSI benefits per month.

Colorado also has a state supplement program, which can provide some additional benefits to those who are eligible.

Can You Get SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the Same Time?

You can receive both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time if you qualify for both programs. While SSI benefits are based on being in a qualifying category and having a limited income, SSDI benefits are based on work history and whether you paid Social Security taxes.

However, receiving SSDI benefits can lower your SSI amount because SSDI is considered countable income for SSI eligibility. The total amount of benefits you can receive from both programs is also capped at the maximum Federal Benefit Amount.

Receiving SSI benefits can also impact eligibility for other programs, but not always negatively. For example, in Colorado, anyone who qualifies for SSI benefits automatically qualifies for Health First Colorado coverage, which is the state’s Medicaid program. If everyone in your home is receiving SSI benefits, you may also be eligible for SNAP payments.

What Are the Steps for Applying for SSI?

Applying for Supplemental Security Income is a detailed process, and understanding how it works and what the steps are can make it more manageable. Here’s what you need to know before applying.

Understanding Eligibility

It’s a good idea to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before going through the application process. If you’re not sure if you meet the criteria to be considered disabled or you have questions about what income and resources are counted, our attorneys can help.

Gathering Documentation

The Social Security Disability process requires a great deal of paperwork because you generally need to show proof of all qualifying criteria, every source of income, and all other resources. Gaps in documentation or missing files could cause your application to be delayed or even denied, so being prepared is critical.

In general, you will need:

  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate
  • Names and phone numbers for all health care providers
  • Medical records that show a diagnosis of and treatment for a medical condition
  • Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns
  • Documentation of any resources, such as bank statements and property deeds
  • A detailed work history going back at least five years

If you’re not sure if something needs to be included, it’s better to err on the side of providing too much information than not enough.

Submitting the Application

Applications for Supplemental Security Income benefits can be submitted online or in person. In some cases, you can also submit your application over the phone with the help of a caseworker. Once you’ve submitted your paperwork, it can take several months to receive a decision. This is especially true if you are applying on the basis of a disability because this often requires a more extensive process to review medical records.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied?

Only around 20 percent of Social Security Disability claims are initially approved. Most are denied in the beginning, either for technical reasons, such as missing paperwork or incomplete forms, or medical reasons.

If you receive a denial notice, know that you aren’t alone and that you have options to have the SSA reconsider your claim.

You have the right to request an appeal if your SSI claim is denied or if the SSA changes your benefit amount. There are multiple levels of appeal, starting with a reconsideration of your initial determination and ranging all the way to a Federal Court review.

  • Reconsideration: This only applies to initial determinations, and you must request a reconsideration within 60 days after receiving your denial
  • Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge: If your claim is still denied after the reconsideration determination, you can request a hearing. This also has to happen within 60 days of receiving the reconsideration decision. You can request that the judge decide based only on your file, or you can appear in person at a formal hearing
  • Appeals Council Review: An Appeals Council review looks at the administrative law judge’s decision. The council has the option to make a determination in your case or send it back to the judge for further action
  • Federal Court Review: The Federal Court review is the highest level of appeal and looks at the evidence in your file and the final agency decision to determine whether to award your benefits, dismiss the case, or send it back to a lower level for further action, up to and including a new hearing

Each stage of appeal has strict procedural rules and filing deadlines, making it critical to work with an attorney who knows the system. They can ensure your paperwork is filed on time and that you have key evidence to support your case.

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim

Navigating the SSI application and appeals process on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a disability that affects your daily life. Working with an experienced attorney who understands Social Security Disability law can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

From the beginning, a lawyer can help you understand whether you meet the eligibility requirements for Supplemental Security Income and what documentation you need to support your application. They can review your medical records to ensure they clearly demonstrate how your disability limits your ability to work and help you gather additional evidence if needed.

If your initial application is denied, an attorney becomes even more valuable during the appeals process. They can identify why your claim was rejected and develop a strategy to address those issues. This may involve obtaining additional medical evidence, requesting statements from treating physicians, or preparing you to testify at a hearing before an administrative law judge.

At a disability hearing, your lawyer will present your case, question witnesses, and argue on your behalf. Administrative law judges review hundreds of cases, and having skilled legal representation ensures your claim receives the attention it deserves.

Your Denver supplemental security income lawyers will also handle all filing deadlines and procedural requirements, reducing the risk of your appeal being dismissed for technical reasons.

At Roeschke Law, LLC, our legal team is committed to helping disabled individuals in Denver obtain the social security benefits they are entitled to receive.

Contact Denver Supplemental Security Income Lawyers Today

Whether you’re still trying to determine if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income or have received a denial notice, the next step is to talk to an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer at Roeschke Law, LLC.

Our Denver supplemental security income lawyers can help you put together a strong application or understand why your application was denied and what other options you may have. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.