SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, provides cash benefits for people unable to work who have never paid into the Social Security system. Unlike Social Security, SSI benefits come directly from the U.S. Treasury instead of the Social Security trust fund. To qualify for SSI and receive lump-sum benefits, an applicant must be determined unable to work according to Social Security Administration (SSA) regulations.

How do I get SSI?

To qualify for SSI you cannot be working. Applying for disability while working just to see if you are eligible does not meet the eligibility requirements no matter your physical or mental condition. Some part time work is possible if the amount of money earned is small enough to meet SSA rules. Secondly, a person has to have a diagnosed medical condition preventing the ability to work. The diagnosis preventing work has to be by a recognized medical professional (doctor, chiropractor, therapist). If you have no medical diagnosis, Social Security will pay for you to attend a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor. Once SSA determines you are not working and cannot work because of your condition you will receive SSI benefits.

How do I receive a lump-sum payment for SSI?

You will receive a lump-sum benefit for some possible past payments if you are determined to be eligible for disability. The lump sum is the amount of money a disabled worker did not receive while the disability application is processed, less a five-month waiting period. The waiting period is never waived. As an example, if someone applies for disability benefits on Feb. 1 and is allowed benefits on August 1, that is a total of seven months. Subtract the five-month waiting period and the first disability benefit will be a lump sum for two months (July and August.) If the same claim, however, is allowed in April, the benefits will not begin until June (the end of the five months), and there is no lump sum. Time to determine a person's ability to work is affected by many factors, including the complexity of the person's medical condition, the ability to gather necessary evidence to make a decision and the work load at Social Security. All cases except those involving a terminal illness (TERI) are first-come, first-serve.

Do I need a lawyer to get SSI?

Do not hire an attorney to speed up or in anyway improve the possibility of receiving disability status. You do not need a personal representative for the disability claim process. If you want to retain a lawyer, though, it is certainly your prerogative. Usually, an attorney's services are required if the claim is denied and you want to appeal the decision. Remember, though, the attorney's fees for successfully getting you disability benefits comes from the lump-sum amount payable when the claim is allowed. Also, if you are unable physically or mentally to fill out the necessary paperwork, deal with the Social Security agent or complete necessary follow-up procedures. You may designate a personal representative to help you with your case. The representative will be allowed to know the details of your case and your medical history.

Source:

Qualify and Apply for SSI

Social Security listing of disabling impairments