What Is Social Security Disability? What Benefits Can You Apply For?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two types of disability benefits programs for people unable to work because of their health.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have been working and paying into Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program with strict financial limitations, so you can qualify for benefits if you don’t have a significant work history, but you need to show you have few other financial resources.
Both programs provide monthly income support to help you pay your bills and access to health care coverage.
And both programs have the same definition of “disability.” To receive benefits, you need to show that:
- You can’t work your current or most recent job because of your health.
- You can’t switch jobs or careers to something your health would still allow.
- Your health problems will keep you from working for more than 12 months.
These are some key terms you’ll come across when applying for any kind of Social Security Disability:
If you think you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, start your application right away. Social Security moves slowly, and it could take months or even years for your claim to get approved.
A Wisconsin Social Security Disability lawyer can support you as you complete your application for disability benefits.
What Do You Need to Apply for Disability in Wisconsin?
Some law firms will tell you to apply for disability benefits on your own and come back when you get denied. That’s not how our team works.
Once you’re ready to make your case for Social Security Disability benefits, Geary Disability Law can guide you through the entire application process:
Step #1: Gather your medical records
The SSA won’t just take your word for it when you tell them you have a work-stopping health condition. The more medical evidence you have backing up your claim the better.
Collect documentation like this:
- Results of medical tests and exams
- Medical imaging reports
- Doctor notes about your diagnosis
- Records of your treatments and their effectiveness
- Prescription medication records
- Reports from therapy sessions
- Hospitalization records
- Surgery records
- Your doctor’s assessment of your everyday capabilities and functioning
Step #2: Be ready to verify your work history and/or financials
If you’re applying for SSDI benefits, you’ll need evidence that you’ve been working and paying into Social Security to qualify. If you’re applying for SSI, you need to show that you meet the program’s strict financial limitations.
With your evidence and your answers on forms, you also need to show how your health problems and your work duties intersect. You’ll describe how your symptoms interfere with tasks.
And send evidence of disruptions to your work at your most recent jobs, like missed days or a need for reduced workloads.
Step #3: Submit your application
You can apply for disability benefits online, over the phone, or at a local Wisconsin Social Security office.
Online is the most common way. Your Wisconsin disability attorney can help you be sure everything is filed properly.
Step #4: Wait for the SSA’s initial decision
The Social Security Administration can take months to respond to your disability claim, and many people get denied benefits the first time they apply.
Successfully applying for SSDI benefits is hard, but a Wisconsin disability attorney can help you ensure your application for benefits is complete, correct and backed by evidence.
We focus on building the most convincing claim possible, so you can focus more on your health.
How Can a Disability Lawyer Help Me Apply for Disability Benefits?
You need to build a persuasive case for a claims examiner and make it apparent that your health problems have stopped you from working and you need financial assistance.
This is a personal process, but dealing with Social Security can seem cold and impersonal.
Work with an experienced disability attorney who has the skills and knowledge to build a convincing disability claim and the values to treat you like an individual, not just another case file.
Disability lawyer Tim Geary and his team can:
- Take the time to really understand your claim and your situation
- Assist with application forms
- Organize your evidence and fill in gaps in your file
- Help you avoid mistakes that result in delays and denied claims
- Answer your questions about this process
- Keep you aware of important deadlines
- Support your appeal if your disability claim gets denied
The monthly income and medical coverage you receive when your disability claim finally gets approved can make a big difference in your life, so you should get started on your application for benefits as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for Disability Benefits
Disability attorney Tim Geary and his team can talk with you and answer questions about your application for disability benefits.
Read on to find answers to some of the most common questions about applying for disability benefits in Wisconsin that we hear, then schedule your free consultation so we can look at your specific situation.
When should I apply for Social Security Disability?
You should apply for Social Security Disability as soon as you realize that you have a work-stopping health problem that could prevent you from working for 12 months or more.
Applying for benefits takes a lot of work, and the approval process doesn’t move quickly. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start receiving benefits and medical coverage.
How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits in Wisconsin?
It can take months to hear back about your initial application for benefits. Waiting times grow longer if you need to appeal, with each stage adding months of additional waiting time.
It’s not uncommon to wait years to get approved for benefits, so we recommend applying for SSDI or SSI as soon as you know that you’re eligible.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability benefits?
You could apply on your own, but we’d advise against it. Social Security makes it difficult to win disability benefits, and plenty of things can trip up your application.
Only around 40-45% of initial disability claims are approved in Wisconsin. In some years and across the country, it’s even less. We recommend working with a Wisconsin disability lawyer who can help you make the strongest possible application.
You don’t pay a fee to your lawyer until you win benefits.
How much does it cost to hire a Wisconsin disability lawyer?
You’re not charged an up-front fee to work with a disability lawyer. When you get approved for benefits, you’ll be awarded back pay to make up time you waited for your disability claim to move through the system.
Your lawyer gets paid out of that lump sum, directly from Social Security, and your lawyer receives a limited portion of the lump sum.
We can make the process of applying for disability easier, and then disability benefits can make your life easier.
No Matter Where You Are in the Process, We Can Help
From wondering if you have a strong claim to filing your initial application to appealing a denial of benefits, Geary Disability Law is here for you.
Social Security Disability FAQs
It’s only natural for you to have many questions when your life has been disrupted by health problems and you need financial assistance. Get started on your path forward with our answers to some of the questions we hear most often:
DISABILITY FAQs
Hear from a Geary Law Firm Client
“Helped me every step of the way, and won my case for me. I am not rich, and he had my best interests at heart. I would highly recommend him, as I have already done, several times.”
