Social Security provides monetary assistance to U.S. citizens who are retired, unemployed, receive inadequate income or are disabled. If you are an immigrant that needs to receive SSDI benefits, you will need to be familiar with SSI law and qualifications. You should also hire a social security lawyer to make sure the process is handled correctly and to your satisfaction.
Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers explains your rights as an immigrant and how a social security lawyer can help collect social security if you’re not a citizen.
Who Qualifies?
All U.S. Citizens and permanent residents are eligible to receive Social Security benefits.The main criterion for eligibility is the payment of Social Security taxes to the government. All legally recognized workers in the U.S. pay Social Security taxes. If you can prove you have a legal job and pay Social Security taxes, you have passed the first criterion for eligibility.
Immigrants that are in the U.S. under student or visitors’ visas are usually exempt from paying Social Security taxes so they are not eligible. Immigrants from countries such as Cuba, North Korea and Vietnam are not eligible for SSDI benefits, either. However, if you have served in the U.S. military as an immigrant, you may be able to file for benefits.
U.S. nationals such as people born in the Samoa islands can also be eligible for benefits. They must be able to prove their national status by obtaining a special certificate from the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Resident Aliens
Resident aliens are immigrants that have legal permission live and work in the United States. They have to obtain proof that they have been given the right to live and work in the U.S. These qualifications include:
- Parolees given at least one year in the U.S.
- Conditional entry into the country before April 1, 1980
- Refugees admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- Persons given asylum under the INA
- Cubans and Haitians recognized under the Refugee Education Assistance Act
- Immigrants with stayed deportation or removal
This list represents a few examples of resident alien qualifications. Many of the criteria involves entry into the U.S. before specific dates and the Immigration and Nationality act. If you have any further questions, contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service and consult with your Social Security lawyer.
Benefit Caps and Limitations
There are some benefit caps imposed by the government for certain immigrant groups. Persons that are recognized as refugees seeking asylum under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act or the Refugee Education Assistance Act may not be able to receive full benefits.
Please consult your Tampa social security lawyer about your status and subsequent benefit package.
Proof of Disability
In addition to proving your naturalization status, you must also be able to prove that you meet the income and disability requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration. The claims process can be very complicated and you will need to provide medical records, income verification and other forms of proof to the board to receive approval.
Contact a Tampa Social Security Lawyer at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers
Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, located in Florida and Illinois with offices in Tampa, Holiday and Chicago, is a team of injury and disability lawyers that work diligently to resolve your SSDI claims. We work tirelessly to help immigrants prove their status and receive the assistance they need. If you are in need of a Tampa Social security lawyer, contact Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case consultation.
