What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that gives monthly payments to people with disabilities that limit their ability to work, but who have previously worked and paid Social Security taxes.
SSDI has two main requirements:
- You must be insured, and have worked long enough to earn coverage
- You must have a disability that meets the standards set by Social Security’s standards
Where to Apply for SSDI in Wisconsin
You can apply for SSDI in person or online. The Social Security Administration provides a website that helps you locate a Social Security Office in Wisconsin simply by entering your zip code. You can make an appointment by placing a toll-free call to 800-772-1213, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm.
You may prefer to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits online.
Difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both programs that provide financial assistance to those who meet federal requirements for disability.
The main difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income is that eligibility and payments for SSDI are based on your disability and work credits, whereas SSI is based on your age, disability, income, and resources.
While SSDI and SSI are two different programs, the medical requirements are the same for both. If you meet the non-medical requirements and have a medical condition expected to last a year or result in death, both pay monthly benefits.
The Basics about SSDI Benefits
If you are “insured” through SSDI, the program will pay benefits to you and certain family members. To qualify, you will have to have worked long enough and earned income recently enough, and paid Social Security taxes on the money you have earned. SSI pays benefits to adults and children meeting the requirements for a qualifying disability, and who have limited income and resources.
How to Apply for SSDI Benefits
The process of applying for disability benefits is generally the same, whether you are applying by phone, in person, or online.
- Gather the required information and documents; for best results, print and review the Adult Disability Checklist, which helps applicants gather the information and documents needed to complete the application
- Complete and submit the application
The Social Security Administration will review your application to determine if you meet their basic requirements for disability benefits. SSA representatives will confirm that you have worked enough years to quality, and evaluate your current work activities. They will process your application and forward your case to Wisconsin’s Disability Determination Services, which makes the final decision in your case.
Sometimes cases are rejected. If this happens, contacting an experienced SSDI lawyer will help provide the best next steps. It is possible to appeal the decision, meaning that you can make an argument against the determination.
Information You’ll Need to Apply for SSDI
Gather the following information before beginning your application:
- Information about your condition
- The names of your doctors and their phone numbers
- The names and phone numbers of any clinics and hospitals where you have received treatment
- Any relevant medical tests you have undergone
- Medication(s) you take
- In cases of workers’ compensation, the date of injury and claim number
- Permission to access medical records
- Basic information about yourself, such as your Social Security number and place of birth
- Information about recent work, including the names of your employers for the past two years, and dates of employment
- Information about your current and past marriages, such as your spouse or former spouse’s Social Security number and birthday, dates of marriage and divorce, and the city, state, and country of your marriage
- Direct deposit information for benefit payments, including your bank’s routing number and your account number
While you can apply for SSDI yourself in Wisconsin, it can be a time-consuming and challenging process. It’s critical to provide the correct information to ensure that the Social Security Administration approves the application. A lawyer can assist you with the application and execute all of the paperwork necessary.
Contact NGSW&B To Help With Your SSDI Application
For more information about Social Security Disability in Wisconsin, contact NGSW&B. Our personal injury attorney can help you get the payments you need and deserve.
