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How Can I Speed Up My SSI Payment?

6 May 2020 by Daryl Young

When you're applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are likely in a difficult situation. You might be in a situation where you need benefits immediately. There is no waiting period, but your application must be approved. However, you may be able to have benefits paid out before your SSI is formally approved if you can prove that you're presumptively disabled.

Receiving an Expedited Payment

To show that you are presumptively disabled and receive benefits early, you will need to have one of several qualifying conditions. For example, those who are blind or who have had their leg amputated are more likely to be considered presumptively disabled. 

You do not have to repay the benefits that you receive as a result of being presumptively disabled even if it turns out that you were not actually disabled. Therefore, there is no downside to getting qualified. You will only be asked to reimburse the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you were found to not be qualified for another reason, such as an excessive income.

Receiving an Emergency Payment

If you are facing a financial emergency, you may be able to receive an emergency payment. You will still need to show that you're qualified for an SSI payment. An emergency would usually refer to a monetary need.

For example, if you do not have enough money to pay for heating during the winter, you might be qualified for an emergency payment from the SSA. You will then receive an advance payment. If you are not sure if you're qualified, speak with a disability attorney.

The maximum emergency payment that you receive is based on the smallest percentage of the minimum amount of benefits due, the SSI benefit rate, or the amount that you are requesting. For example, if you are asking for much less money than what the SSI would be allowed to give you, the SSA will likely give you that lower amount. 

You may also be able to receive an emergency payment if your payment has not been received yet or is delayed. If you were supposed to receive a payment already but you haven't received your check, you should be able to receive an emergency check. During an emergency situation, you might find it difficult to make sense of the benefits that you are entitled to. However, a disability attorney can guide you through the process.

To learn more about SSI and how it affects you, contact a disability attorney in your local area.

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