Top-Rated Des Moines Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyers

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65 with limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on work history, SSI is a needs-based program funded by general tax revenues to help those who are unable to support themselves financially.

Understanding SSI eligibility and benefits is extremely important for those who may qualify. The application process can be complex, and missing key details could lead to delays or denials. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denied claim, having the right legal guidance can maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you need.

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

The SSI program benefits adults and children who have disability or blindness and who have limited income and resources. It is a federal program funded by general income taxes (not Social Security taxes) and provides monthly payments for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

All U.S. states except four—Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia—pay a state supplement to disabled residents who receive SSI. This money is added in addition to money paid by SSI. That means if you live in Iowa, you can count on receiving extra money from the state if you’re approved for SSI benefits.

Getting approved for SSI benefits when you’re disabled can be life-changing, but getting to that point isn’t always easy. Having experienced legal help on your side can make a significant difference throughout every step of the process. If you’re ready to apply, contact Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling for a free consultation and to get the help you need with your application.

Who Is Eligible for SSI?

Different groups of people in the U.S. are eligible for SSI benefits, including:

• Adults and Children with Disabilities or Blindness
• Individuals Aged 65 and Older
  • SSI payments are also made to people aged 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.

Income and Resource Limitations

• Payments are determined according to the income (including wages, other benefits received, in-kind income such as food and shelter given for free, and income of family members) and resources (such as cash and other financial assets, land, life insurance, personal property, vehicles, and resources of family members).
• An individual may be able to receive SSI if their resources are worth $2,000 or less (not including certain resources like the family’s primary home and vehicle).
• A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less.

Residency Requirements

• A recipient must be a U.S. citizen, a national, or a qualified alien.
• They must live in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
• They must not be absent from the U.S. for a full calendar month or 30 or more consecutive days.

Understanding if you’re eligible to receive SSI benefits isn’t always easy. Because there are many limitations and requirements, it’s common for potential applicants to become so intimidated by the process that they give up. Our SSI lawyers know the eligibility requirements inside and out, and we’ll help you understand and meet them to maximize your chances of approval.

How Are SSI Payments Calculated?

Many people who are eligible for SSI payments wonder how much money they’ll actually receive from the program. SSI payments are calculated using many different criteria for each individual applicant/recipient. These include:

Living Arrangements and Their Impact on Payments

• The recipient’s living arrangement partly determines the payment.
  • Factors include if the recipient lives in their own house, apartment, or mobile home, in someone else’s household, or in a group care facility, hospital, or nursing home.

Income and Resource Assessment

• Payments depend on the recipient’s income and resources, as well as the state they live in.

State-Specific Supplements

• The payment amount also depends on the state the recipient lives in, as some states add money to the federal SSI payment. Iowa is one of those states.

SSI Payment Statistics

Some interesting statistics about SSI payments include:

• In January 2025, around 7.4 million Americans received SSI.
• The total amount paid was over $5.5 billion, with an average monthly payment of $714.37.
• Payments for children had a higher average of $834.72.

SSI payments can make a significant difference in the lives of those who receive them, but they must be enough to cover their basic living expenses at a minimum. At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we work hard to help our clients get the peace of mind they deserve by maximizing their SSI payments.

How Is SSI Different From Social Security Benefits?

Many people are confused by the difference between SSI and Social Security Benefits. While there are similarities between them—they’re both payments to individual citizens issued by the government—there are also important differences.

Key Differences

• A recipient of SSI can also receive Social Security benefits, and can apply for both programs with the same process. However, the two programs are different in a number of ways.

Work History Requirement

• SSI benefits are not determined by work history – meaning how long the recipient worked and paid Social Security taxes.

Funding Sources

• SSI is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury, collected from personal income taxes, corporate taxes, and other taxes.
• Social Security taxes collected under FICA do not fund the SSI program.

Possibility of Receiving Both SSI and Social Security Benefits

• There’s an application process for both programs with the possibility of denial if certain requirements and steps aren’t met.

Millions of Americans receive money from one or both of these benefits programs. Whether you’re applying for SSI, Social Security Benefits, or both, we can help you navigate the process or appeal a denial. Contact us to learn how we can put our experience to work for you.

Additional Benefits and Assistance for SSI Recipients

Monthly payments aren’t the only benefits available to SSI recipients. People who are approved for the program also receive:

• Medical Assistance Under Medicaid
  • In most states, SSI recipients also can get medical assistance under Medicaid for expenses such as hospital stays, doctor bills, and prescription drugs.
• Food Assistance Programs
• Other Federal and State Benefits Available in Iowa

Many applicants and even recipients are either unaware of these additional benefits and assistance programs or don’t know how to utilize them. At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we can determine all the benefits you’re eligible to receive through SSI and help you get them.

How Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling Can Help

Because getting approved for SSI benefits can be such a monumental moment in your life, it’s essential to have an experienced legal team assisting you along the way. In addition to improving your chances of approval, having legal representation also gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about missing a deadline, forgetting to submit certain paperwork, or overlooking small details in your application.

With our firm on your side, you’ll get:

Experienced Legal Support for SSI Claims

• Assistance with Initial Applications
• Help with Appeals and Denials
• Representation in SSI Hearings

Personalized Legal Advice

• Tailored to individual financial and medical situations

Why Choose Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling?

• Local expertise in Des Moines and knowledge of Iowa-specific SSI supplements

Don’t wait another day to start the application process to get the benefits you deserve. Contact us now to get started. Our consultations are free, and we’ll give you an honest assessment of your eligibility and the steps we’ll take together to get you approved for SSI benefits.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we make it easy to apply for SSI benefits with the help of an experienced legal team. Just fill out the form on this page or call us anytime for a free consultation. We’re here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions about any and all aspects of the SSI application process.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to get the help you need.