What rights to SSI recipients and applicants possess?

One reason that some North Carolina residents may put off applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration is their fear that they may not be eligible for such assistance from the federal government. They may not fully understand the requirements that a person must satisfy to receive SSI assistance. However, consultation with a disability benefits attorney can help them assuage this and other concerns.

Once a person has submitted their application for benefits from the SSI program they have rights regarding how they are treated in the review and receipt processes. For example, the Social Security Administration may not deny an applicant the right to work with a representative on the process of pursuing benefits. The Social Security Administration also may not deny an applicant’s right to see what information and documentation is included in their administrative claim file.

If an applicant’s claim is denied, they have the right to appeal the decision that left them without SSI benefits. Further, when the Social Security Administration makes decisions regarding or changes to the individual’s SSI benefits the individual has the right to receive all notices in writing.

Seeking SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration is a process and many individuals are not familiar with all of the steps they must complete in order to prepare their applications. However, applicants for and recipients of SSI benefits have rights. With the support and assistance of a disability benefits attorney a person can feel confident that they have done all that they can to pursue the financial support they need to live a full life.