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Q: Will my children get benefits if I get SSI?

A: When applying for Social Security (whether you work with a social security lawyer or navigate the process on your own), you need to keep in mind the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplement Security Income, or SSI. While those that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits may be able to obtain benefits for their children (a social security lawyer can help with the process), those that apply only for SSI cannot. The reason for this is that SSI is given based only upon need, and so benefits are not offered to dependents.

With Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, however, you may be able to obtain benefits for your minor children. Whether or not your children will receive benefits depends on your earnings records. Everybody who is approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is not necessarily approved for dependent benefits. Those without a sufficient earnings history might not be approved. For more information, speak with a social security lawyer.

Q: Can I still get SSI benefits if I have money in the bank?

A: Any social security lawyer will tell you: because SSI is a need based program, all resources and income will be counted towards qualification. Put simply, those that receive SSI benefits do not have much money or many assets. Every state in the U.S. has its own general rules about qualification for SSI, and a social security lawyer should be able to help you with the general rules behind what is considered a "resource" in your state.

See below for some of the things that are generally considered a resource, and which will be considered a part of your income.

• Cash • Bank Accounts • Stocks and Bonds • Land, Homes, etc. • Life Insurance • Automobiles • Personal Property

Though it is possible to be approved for SSI if you own a vehicle and one home, owning too many assets or "resources" can reduce your chances. In order to be approved for SSI, you must generally have less than $2000 in a bank account for a single person, or less than $3000 for two people. However, you will want to talk to a social security lawyer about the specific requirements for your state.

Q: If I sell my home and make a profit, will I lose my benefits?

A: Like with most social security questions, the correct answer to this varies from person to person, and it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer. If you do make money from the sale of a home, the amount of money you make will be the deciding factor in the effect on your SSI. If the profit from your home takes you over the "allowable value" of your resources at the beginning of the month, you will not be eligible for benefits for that month. If, however, you maintain those "over value" resources in a bank account into the next months, your eligibility for SSI benefits may come into question. If this happens, it is important to speak to a social security lawyer in order to know your next steps.

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