SSI candidates turn to Balin Law, MetroHealth for help

We understand people sometimes find themselves in difficult situations – financially, physically, emotionally or otherwise. It’s our privilege to advocate for them. People who are disabled and have limited resources but not enough of a work history to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Social Security Administration site is a great resource for SSI information, like this SSI overview page and this page on resources the administration considers when applying for SSI.

 “If you have too much in assets, you don’t qualify for this program which is an additional hurdle,” said Andrew November, associate attorney at Balin Law. “With SSDI, you just have to be disabled.” Some assets, like the home you live in or the land it’s on, grants, and personal effects aren’t counted as a resource, but items like cash, stocks, or “deemed resources” are taken into account during the approval process. “There’s a ‘deeming chart’ that’s used,” said November. “The SSA uses mathematical formulas based on the size of the house and the source of the income for children and from spouse-to-spouse.”

Separate from the assets portion of a case is a client’s access to medical care. “It’s always a large concern,” associate attorney Matthew Shupe said of Balin’s clients. “That involves a lot of education from our staff and attorneys regarding what our clients’ options are for subsidized or free physical and mental healthcare in their area, be that through Medicaid or a financial means-based charity program through various hospital systems in the area.”

With the expansion of Medicaid in Ohio only occurring in January 2013, many of Balin’s clients have turned to the MetroHealth System for health care. “This is the only treatment option for a lot of people,” November said. MetroHealth’s financial assistance program helps patients pay for health care costs, while their shuttle service allows patients to be transported to and from various MetroHealth locations.“ Having limited resources means limited access to medical care,” November said. It doesn’t mean you have limited access to us. Balin Law is here to help – click here for our contact information and call today.

MetroHealth Phone Numbers

Transportation Service - 216-778-5258
Financial Assistance - 216-957-2325
Switchboard - 216-778-7800

For a complete list of MetroHealth contact information, click here.