Can I Apply for Disability in Wisconsin Myself?

How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability? What’s Involved?

Every case is unique, but the application process for Social Security Disability benefits has some common steps for everyone.

You can check your possible eligibility online, although keep in mind that your case may not neatly fit Social Security’s definition of eligibility. A disability lawyer can tell you what really matters beyond what Social Security says on its website.

You can file your application for disability benefits online, over the phone, or in person at a Social Security office.

Before you start, collect the necessary documents, including:

• Birth certificate and other identifying records
• Work history documents, such as pay stubs, W-2s or self-employment tax returns
• Medical records you have on hand to refer to as you fill out application forms
• Contact information for your doctors and other health care providers. (Social Security will want to contact your health care providers to collect official records directly.)

Now it’s time to fill out forms. These are a few of them:

• The Application for Disability Insurance Benefits (Form SSA-16) tells them who you are and why you’re applying for disability benefits. It includes questions about where you were born, your citizenship status, how old you are, and whether you’re married, single or divorced. It asks how many children you have. It gets a summary of your work history.
• The Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368-BK) is the full explanation of your medical condition and its negative impact on your employment and daily life. This is your chance to tell your story in your own words.
• The Function Report (Form SSA-3373-BK) describes your everyday life with your impairment. It delves into everything from how you get around to how you sleep to what meals you eat to your ability to complete basic tasks.
• The Work History Report (Form SSA-3369) provides important information on past jobs and the tasks required by each job, so Social Security can understand why you can’t work anymore.

It’s a lot. And these are just some of the forms. You’ll likely encounter several more.

With a Wisconsin Social Security Disability lawyer from Geary Disability Law, you have a guide.

We can’t answer every question on form for you, but we can help you provide the information Social Security wants and check to be sure your application is solid.

Start out by getting a case evaluation from us. There’s no charge.

Get my free consultation.

When Should I Apply for Social Security Disability?

As soon as you can no longer work, you should apply for disability benefits.

Social Security has a built-in waiting period before you can get benefits, and it usually takes them longer than that, anyway, to give you a decision.

It’s best to apply immediately and get the process started. And if you get a lawyer from the start, you have backup to make sure you’re handling everything correctly.

When they approve your benefits, you’ll get back pay covering the time that you waited. The earlier you applied, the more potential backpay.

Once you’ve submitted the paperwork, your disability lawyer monitors your case for you and keeps you updated.

Social Security may get contact you for more information.

Good disability attorneys are professionals who deal with this every day. They will understand the nuances of your case and what Social Security is looking for.

The team at Geary Disability Law also knows the local, Wisconsin legal environment for Social Security—the officials and administrative law judges in Wisconsin who may play a big role in your case—especially if you have to appeal.

Call us today and let’s get to work helping you win Social Security Disability benefits so you can focus on what’s important: your health.