Dixon & Johnston, P.C.

Supplemental Security Income: What You Need to Know

Supplemental security income is an option for those who cannot receive Social Security Disability benefits because of past work and payment history. If you don’t meet the specific criteria outlined by Social Security Disability law, you may still be eligible for SSI. You must apply for SSI just like Social Security. The process is complex and having an experienced disability attorney by your side will prove helpful.

What Is SSI?

Supplemental security income is a federally funded program that provides monthly payments for people unable to work because of disabilities or age. SSI was signed into law in 1972 and has been helping those with disabilities who don’t qualify for other government programs ever since. The government determines the amount a person receives individually, so presenting a strong case with a knowledgeable disability attorney’s advice can get you larger monthly payments.

Who Is Eligible?

People who are 65 or older, disabled, or blind and have low or no income are eligible for this supplemental income. Your marital status, outside resources, and outside income all factor into determining if you’re eligible and how much you will receive. In addition to monthly stipends, those who are approved usually get access to work incentives and healthcare through Medicaid.

How Do You Apply for SSI?

Social Security and SSI laws are complicated and require a number of forms, information, and medical documents to prove eligibility. With the help of a qualified disability attorney, you will be able to gather the information necessary to present your case. If your claim is denied initially, your attorney will help you navigate the appeals process so you can receive payments as soon as possible.

If the Social Security Administration deems you ineligible for disability payments, supplemental security income is another option for those who need assistance. The social security disability attorneys at Dixon & Johnston, P.C. understand the details and application process and are here to help you win benefits as quickly and easily as possible. Call our offices at (618) 207-3770 to speak with one of our friendly receptionists and set up an appointment right away.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

Our Attorney John Johnston Speaks at Local Bankruptcy Seminar

John Johnston was a speaker and panellist at the annual educational seminar produced by the Bankruptcy Association of Southern Illinois on Thursday, May 3, 2012.  John spoke to other attorneys attending the program on the subject of the relationship between family law and bankruptcy law and the problems that can arise in such cases.  

For more information or to schedule a consultation with John Johnston or any of our other lawyers at Dixon & Johnston P.C., call us at (618) 207-3770.

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys!

John Johnston recently attended the annual convention of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys in San Antonio.  The program consisted of seminars covering a wide variety of subjects related to consumer bankruptcy, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, from April 26-29.

For more information about this seminar or to schedule a consultation with one of our bankruptcy attorneys in Belleville, visit our website or call us at (618) 207-3770.

Common Reasons Why Hardworking People Have to File for Bankruptcy

Though bankruptcy has become more common than ever before, it still carries a stigma of financial irresponsibility. However, it is very easy for working families to find themselves in situations that necessitate filing for bankruptcy, by no fault of their own. Here are just a few of the common causes of bankruptcy filings in the U.S.

• Job Loss: Unemployment levels are now at over 10 percent in some parts of the country, and every job lost takes a major toll on a family. Many working-class families do not have enough savings to live on during the time it takes to find another job, leaving them with mounting debt and bills. In this situation, declaring bankruptcy may be their only choice.
• Foreclosure: If a home goes into foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy with the help of an attorney will give the debtor an automatic stay, or an injunction that halts collection practices and foreclosure proceedings. Depending under which Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code the debtor files, he may be able to retain certain personal assets, like his primary residence.
• Illness: Even with medical insurance, illnesses or accidents can lead to thousands of dollars in hospital bills. This necessary treatment can easily take all of a family’s income and savings, making them unable to meet other financial obligations. If the illness requires maintenance treatment, like doctor visits or expensive prescriptions, these recurring expenses can put a strain on already stretched paychecks. In fact, according to a study conducted by Harvard University, medical expenses account for 62% of personal bankruptcies.
• Divorce: When a couple divorces, income that was once supporting one household must now support two. Worse, the couple may find it difficult to sell their home in today’s depressed market, leaving them with a mortgage payment they are unable to pay. Both of these factors put them in a position of financial vulnerability that can easily lead to bankruptcy.

Even the most financially responsible person can be the victim of one of these events. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, bankruptcy might be an option for you. To find out more, call (618) 207-3770 to schedule a free consultation with the bankruptcy attorneys in Belleville at Dixon & Johnston, P.C.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

Need Financial Help? We Can Help!

At Dixon & Johnston, P.C., we practice in the areas of family law, Social Security disability, and SSI. Learn more about these topics by taking a look at the resources provided below. If you need legal assistance in one of these areas, call our St. Louis office at (618) 207-3770.

• Learn more about disability benefits from the Social Security Administration’s website.
• Though life after bankruptcy can be trying, you can rebuild your credit and finances with these tips.
• The Social Security Disability and Resource Center provides a series of questions to ask of any prospective disability lawyer.
• After bankruptcy, you’ll need to establish a careful budget to live within your means.
• When searching for a divorce attorney, look for one who has the qualities listed on this webpage.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.