Disability Income Payments Possible in Advance of SSI Approval

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a Federal program that supports people with little or no income who are disabled, aged (over 65) or blind. The program provides cash for basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. Unlike the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, SSI funds come from general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

It can take SSA three or four months to make a decision on whether an applicant qualifies for SSI. For people applying for benefits based on a disability it is nearly impossible to wait that long.

Disability Payments Ease the Wait

Much like the Compassionate Allowance program that cuts the waiting time to receive SSDI benefits for people who clearly meet SSA’s criteria for a disabling condition, SSA will pay what is called “presumptive disability payments” to those people who are applying for disability income through SSI, and are more than likely going to be approved for benefits. The payments provide immediate disability income.

When SSA considers someone presumptively disabled, they are basing that decision on the likelihood that the person meets SSA’s criteria for a disabling condition. Because more evidence must be considered before a final decision is made, SSA will expedite payments to ease the wait for the financial relief these people desperately need.

There is a list of presumptive disability impairments available on the SSA Web site. However, the determination of a presumptive disability is not limited to this list. Other severe medical conditions are also considered if there is enough evidence to support that the problem is as severe and disabling as an SSA qualifying condition.

Who Qualifies for Presumptive Disability Payments and for How Long?

Presumptive disability payments are only available to first-time SSI applicants who have a medical condition that likely meets the SSA definition of a disability. Income levels are also determination factors for final approval of benefits.

Presumptive disability payments are helpful, but temporary. Payments start within the month someone becomes disabled, but they only last for six months. Even if a decision is still pending on a case, presumptive disability payments stop.

The good thing about presumptive disability payments, besides providing immediate income, is that SSA does not require that the money be returned if SSA determines that the applicant does not qualify for SSI on the basis of a disability.

Disability Application Help is a Good Idea

It is extremely important to prepare a thorough application that includes detailed medical history and income sources.

Social Security Disability Insurance advocacy groups are experts in the SSI application and Disability Appeal process and can often tell if someone is likely to qualify for SSI based on a disability. Obviously, the sooner the application process is completed and submitted to SSA, the sooner a person with a disability can start receiving immediate presumptive disability income to help get through to final approval of disability benefits.