The SSI Basics

Signed into law by President Nixon in 1972, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) operates in conjunction with Social Security to shield low-income seniors and individuals with serious disabilities against the worst effects of impoverishment. The modest income support from SSI gives senior citizens and people with disabilities who have constrained income and resources the capability to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, and pay for required, often life-sustaining medications. That’s why the law offices of Kassin and Carrow in St. Louis, Missouri concentrates on SSI and disability law.

Key Facts

• SSI provides crucial income support to more than 8 million Americans -- including 1.2 million children with extreme disabilities.
• There are reasonable requirements to be eligible for SSI. Assistance is available for those who are blind; age sixty-five or older; or have a disability -- and who meet very reasonable income and asset limitations.
• Benefits for SSI are really modest, and average around $509 per month, or just $6,108 each year -- just half the federal poverty level.

Supplemental Security Income addresses an important need in our country. Disability can strike any time. As part of our nation’s Social Security system, Supplemental Security Income has a key role in assisting millions of Americans and their loved ones maintain dignity and independence.

With regards to resources, or things that you have, Social Security will look at things like real estate, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and cash.  If your resources are worth a maximum of $2,000, you might be able to get SSI.  For couples, the resources may be worth no more than $3,000.

Social Security doesn't count everything you own. Things that aren't considered are:

• Life insurance policies with face value lower than or equal to $1,500
• Your vehicle in most cases
• Burial plots for  you and members of your immediate family
• Burial funds up to $1,500 for you and $1,500 for your spouse
• Your residential home you reside in and the land it is on

If you feel that you might qualify for SSI disability income and you live in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Missouri or Metro East St. Louis or Edwardsville, Illinois, get in touch with the law offices of Kassin and Carrow. They can help you get the benefits that you deserve because they are experienced disability benefits attorneys.

The SSDI Basics

Since 1956, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has been a very good social insurance program that helps people whose physical or mental disabilities are so severe that they are unable to do substantial work. Not being able to work, along with disability-related expenditures, can make meeting basic monetary needs extremely difficult. That’s why the law offices of Kassin and Carrow are here in the St. Louis area to help the people of Wentzville, St. Charles, Kirkwood, St Peters, St. Louis, Collinsville, Litchfield, and Edwardsville.

Key Facts

• Our Social Security system guards American workers and their families against death, disability, and retirement.
• Few workers have other options; only 1 in 3 private sector employees has employer-provided disability insurance.
• SSDI provides vital economic security to over 8 million disabled workers.
• Workers must have paid in to Social Security via payroll taxes to be entitled to benefits.
• They need to also satisfy the rigid Social Security disability standard to qualify.
• Average disability benefits are small: Individuals, $1,132 per month; for a family, $1,919 per month.
• Benefits replace half or less of pre-disability earnings for the majority of disabled employees.

By continuing to keep this program strong for individuals that have paid into the system, it prevents significant burdens such as homelessness brought on by foreclosures, evictions, and bankruptcies in the St. Louis, MO area.

Growth in Social Security Disability Insurance

Although the growth in the number of individuals receiving SSDI was expected, it is leveling off. What explains the rise in the past few years?

• Baby Boomers: aging and getting “high disability years.” People are two times as likely to be disabled at the age of 50 as they are at age 40 and two times as likely to be disabled at the age of 60 as they are at age 50.
• Women: increasing numbers of women in the workforce in recent decades who are now themselves eligible to receive benefits.
• Raised Retirement Age: as the Social Security retirement age rises, disabled workers get SSDI for longer before converting to retirement benefits.

Regardless of your situation, the law offices of Kassin and Carrow are available to the people of St. Louis, Missouri and the Metro East St. Louis area to assist those who're in need of benefits.