If you are disabled or over the age of 65 and impoverished, you may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is a program meant to provide financial support for the most vulnerable population groups, and if you meet the qualifications for this program, you can get the financial support that you need.
For many people applying for SSI benefits, it is common to wonder if you will also be eligible to receive Medicaid insurance coverage. Find out if you can receive Medicaid after being approved for SSI and find out why you might need help from an experienced SSI lawyer.
Qualifying for SSI
Before learning about your ability to receive Medicaid, it’s important to learn a few of the qualifications for being approved for SSI. The main requirement for SSI approval is a lack of resources. If your assets total less than $2000, then you can usually be approved for SSI. In addition to work income, assets can also include your home, a car, and stocks.
Many people who are approved for SSI benefits are also severely disabled. If you are applying for SSI based on a disability, you will usually need to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with medical documentation proving your condition. Once the SSA has verified your disability, you will generally be approved for your benefits.
Will You Get Medicaid?
Once you have been approved for monthly SSI benefits, you will almost always be automatically enrolled in the Medicaid program. Typically, you will earn your Medicaid status at the same time you receive your SSI approval. Once you receive your Medicaid card, you can seek medical treatment from providers who accept Medicaid and can fill prescriptions at reduced prices.
You should be aware, however, that states like Illinois and Ohio do not bundle SSI and Medicaid approval. In these states, the income threshold for Medicaid is usually lower than for SSI. If you live in a state that doesn’t automatically provide Medicaid for SSI beneficiaries, you should be sure to contact an SSI lawyer for assistance.
Keeping Medicaid While Working
Those who receive SSI due to a severe disability may be able to keep their Medicaid benefits while working and earning about the $2,000 income limit. If you are disabled and find employment, you can usually keep your Medicaid coverage as long as your disability persists.
You would still be eligible for SSI if your income was removed and your earnings are not enough to make up for the loss of your Medicaid.
Disabled workers who receive Medicaid will, however, be limited in how much they can earn in a year and maintain their benefits. Every state has a different annual income threshold for disabled workers on Medicaid, so you should contact your state’s SSA for complete information.
Get Help from an SSI Lawyer
If you’re having trouble receiving the SSI and Medicaid benefits that you deserve, you should consult with an SSI lawyer from The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour. The Bill LaTour legal team specializes in cases involving Social Security, and we can help you navigate this complicated system and fight benefit denials.
Contact us today for more information.
