How to File for Disability in Wisconsin

Federal benefits can cushion the blow when you can no longer work because of a disability. In Wisconsin, you can apply for two federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You’ll apply for both at the same time with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Gathering Information

  1. Disability benefits are reserved for those who meet the federal requirements. The SSA's impairment listing manual, which is also called the blue book, lists a number of impairments, both physical and mental, that will automatically qualify an individual for SSDI or SSI. Check if you satisfy the following: [1]
    • Your disability is severe enough to prevent you from doing your current job or adjusting to any other job.
    • Your disability is projected to last at least one year or result in your death.
    • If you apply for SSDI, you’ll need enough work credits. Check your Social Security statement, which is available online.
    • If you apply for SSI, you need to be low income. An SSA claims representative can help you figure out if you qualify.
  2. SSA will want to thoroughly review your medical records and test results. If you have them, then you can send copies on to SSA. However, don’t delay applying for benefits if you don’t have the records. Instead, you can provide SSA with the following information so that they can request the records for you: [2]
    • The names of all doctors, clinics, or hospitals where you have received treatment.
    • The dates you received treatment.
    • Your patient ID numbers.
    • All of your diagnosed conditions.
    • How your conditions affect your work.
    • A list of drugs you’ve been prescribed or are taking.
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  3. If you can still work, then you won’t qualify for benefits. SSA wants to see if you are qualified to do any other sort of job, so provide the following information: [3]
    • Job titles for the past 15 years (for up to five jobs).
    • Employer name and contact information.
    • Job duties for each job.
    • Description of the work performed.
    • The date your disability began to interfere with your ability to do your job.
  4. SSI is reserved for low-income people, so you’ll need to submit financial information when you apply. You must demonstrate that you have low income and fewer than $2,000 worth of assets. For individuals, income must be less than $735 per month, while couples can earn up to $1,103. Gather the following: [4]
    • Your income for this year and last year.
    • Your W-2 form for last year.
    • Last year’s tax return, if you are self-employed.
    • Your bank’s routing number.
  5. SSA will need the following information in order to process your application, so gather it ahead of time: [5]
    • Your Social Security number.
    • Your place of birth and birth date.
    • Your children’s names and dates of birth.
    • Your spouse’s name, Social Security number, and wedding date. If you’ve been married before, include this information for all previous spouses.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Applying for Disability Benefits

  1. You can apply at https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ . After submitting your application, you can mail or hand deliver your documents to the nearest SSA office.
  2. Another option is to call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Someone will take down your information and start the application. You can then mail your documents to the SSA office. [6] Before you call, make sure you have the following documents: [7]
    • Your medical records.
    • Workers' compensation paperwork.
    • Names and dates of birth for your spouse and children.
    • Dates of marriages and divorces.
    • Banking information.
    • Name and phone number for a person who can find you if needed.
    • Medical release form SSA-827 if provided in your packet.
    • "Medical and Job Worksheet - Adult."
  3. If you have a lot of questions, you might want to schedule an appointment and apply in person. This will also act as your eligibility interview. You can find your nearest SSA office at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp . Type in your zip code. Be sure to bring the following materials with you to your interview: [8]
    • Your medical records.
    • Workers' compensation paperwork.
    • Names and dates of birth for your spouse and children.
    • Dates of marriages and divorces.
    • Banking information.
    • Name and phone number for a person who can find you if needed.
    • Medical release form SSA-827 if provided in your packet.
    • "Medical and Job Worksheet - Adult."
  4. SSA might need more medical information before they can make a decision about your disability. They may request that you take additional medical tests or exams. SSA will pay for the medical tests and reimburse you for transportation.
  5. It takes a few months for your application to be processed. Once a decision has been made, you’ll receive a letter with the results.
    • If you are awarded benefits, the letter will tell you the start date and how much you receive. [9]
    • If you’re denied, you’ll be told how to bring an appeal.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Bringing Your Appeals

  1. If your initial application is denied, you can ask for reconsideration. Make your request within 60 days. [10] You can call the SSA office where you filed your claim for information on how to request reconsideration.
    • Most requests for reconsideration are denied. You might be approved if the government made a mistake or if your condition has worsened since you first applied.
  2. After reconsideration, your next appeal is before an administrative law judge. Your chances of success are best at a hearing, so be sure to request it. The letter denying your reconsideration should tell you how to apply.
    • About half of cases that go before a judge are approved, so you have a 50% chance of receiving your benefits.
    • You might have to wait a year before you get your hearing. However, if you win, you will receive benefits retroactive to the date you became disabled.
  3. A lawyer will help you put forward your best appeal. You don’t need one when you file for reconsideration, but you should get one for the hearing. Get a referral by contacting the Wisconsin bar association. Call 1-800-362-9082 or visit their website. [11]
    • Your disability lawyer will work on contingency. This means you don’t pay them unless they win, and then they get a cut of your backpay. Federal law limits how much they can collect to 25%, up to $6,000. In rare cases, they may receive more if your case goes through multiple levels of the courts. You’ll still have to pay out-of-pocket for smaller expenses, such as photocopying or requesting records. [12]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/dqualify4.html
      2. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
      3. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
      4. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
      5. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
      6. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
      7. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disability/Documents/Checklist%20-%20Adult.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/disability/Documents/Checklist%20-%20Adult.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-561.html
      2. ↑ http://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/i-need-a-lawyer.aspx
      3. ↑ http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/question16.html

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