SSI Lawyer In Birmingham, Alabama

Last updated on March 19, 2026

Our government created Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for adults and children who do not have a long enough work history to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The SSI program pays low-income individuals aged 65 or older who are blind or have a disability.

At Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we have over 35 years of experience fighting for and obtaining SSI benefits for vulnerable adults and children. The SSA wrongly told our clients they couldn’t get benefits and we were able to win their case.

Many clients retain us after another law firm has refused to take their case or has ignored their cries for help. Our law firm makes it a point to return each client’s phone calls and emails promptly. We invest the time, effort and expense to develop a persuasive case on your behalf. We have exclusively practiced personal injury and Social Security Disability law since we began our practice in 1986.

Who Qualifies For Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income is a federal program that provides monthly financial support to people with limited income and resources. The SSI eligibility requirements focus on a person’s financial situation, medical condition and living status. Some of the factors that determine eligibility include: 

• Income limits: SSI is meant for individuals with very limited income. The Social Security Administration reviews wages, pensions and other financial support to determine whether an applicant falls within the program’s strict limits.
• Asset limits: Individuals generally must have limited resources. Countable assets include money in bank accounts, stocks and certain property. In many cases, individuals must have less than $2,000 in resources, while couples must have less than $3,000.
• Disability requirements: Applicants must meet the SSI disability requirements. This means having a medical condition that heavily limits the ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Age requirements: SSI is available to adults with disabilities and to individuals age 65 or older who meet financial eligibility requirements.
• Residency requirements: Applicants must live in the United States or certain U.S. territories and must be U.S. citizens or meet specific non-citizen eligibility categories.

At Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we help ensure the application clearly demonstrates who qualifies for SSI and whether the SSI disability requirements are properly supported.

What Medical Conditions Qualify For SSI Benefits?

Common categories of qualifying conditions include:

• Mental health conditions, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, that affect a person’s ability to function.
• Neurological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or other conditions affecting the nervous system.
• Musculoskeletal conditions, such as severe back injuries, arthritis or spinal disorders that limit mobility and physical activity.
• Chronic illnesses, including certain heart, lung or autoimmune conditions that require ongoing treatment and limit daily activity.
• Developmental disabilities in children, which may affect learning, behavior, communication or physical development.

Each claim must include medical records, treatment history and supporting documentation that show how the condition affects daily life and work capacity.

Why The SSA Denied Your SSI Claim

Like SSDI, the SSA rejects a lot of SSI applications. Applicants must meet similar requirements to SSDI, like having sufficient medical evidence, a qualifying disability and the appropriate income limits. The main difference between the two is that SSI focuses more on age and disability requirements, while SSDI focuses more on work history requirements.

Can You Appeal A Denied SSI Claim?

Much like SSDI, you can appeal your SSI application if rejected. You can also appeal if the Social Security Administration (SSA) changes your benefit amount to something you disagree with.

Learn how to appeal an SSI claim by speaking with one of our lawyers. Call 251-243-7872 to schedule your free consultation today.

What Does The Appeals Process Look Like?

These are the different steps in the appeals process for both SSI and SSDI claims:

1. Reconsideration: If you wish to appeal your SSI or SSDI claim, you can begin your appeals process by filing for reconsideration. During reconsideration, someone from the SSA who accepted your initial claim can review it for any errors made by the original decision-makers. They will review all the old evidence plus any new evidence you submit.
2. Hearing: If the SSA rejects your initial appeal during reconsideration, you can bring your appeal to an administrative judge. You and your attorney can explain to the judge why you should receive benefits. The judge will then evaluate your request, along with any current and new evidence you provide.
3. Appeals council: If the administrative judge rejects your appeal, you can bring your case to an appeals council. The appeals council will look at any new and existing evidence you have and use that evidence to determine whether or not they will review your case. If they decide to review it, they can either approve your benefits, send it to another administrative judge or deny your appeal.
4. Federal court: If the appeals council rejects your claim, the next option is to file a claim with a U.S. District Court.

For more questions about the process, speak with one of our lawyers.

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We Can Help With Your SSI Claim Getting your SSI claim rejected can feel devastating – but we are here to help. You can rely on us to put your needs and concerns first and do everything we can to help you seek the benefits you deserve. Schedule an initial consultation with us today by calling 251-243-7872 or visiting our contact page.