Chances are you know someone who is on disability, and you may think that it is a simple process to apply for and receive Social Security Disability benefits. The truth is a bit more complicated for Wisconsin residents who are disabled and unable to work.
Disabilities that impact one’s ability to work and perform daily functions are not uncommon. In fact, explains the Social Security Administration, about one out of every four Americans will become disabled before they turn 67 years old. Social Security Disability benefits are meant to assist those who are unable to work because of their disabilities, but there are strict rules regarding eligibility. First, you need to be “insured.” This means you worked in jobs covered by Social Security long enough to be able to receive benefits, and you have a condition the SSA recognizes as being a disability.
To the SSA, “disability” means having a condition that prevents you from doing the work you did before and keeps you from adjusting to a different line of work. Your disability also must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year or ultimately result in death. The administration explains its qualifying points, conditions it considers to be disabilities and information on how to apply and appeal a decision on its website.
Applying for disability and appealing an adverse decision are complicated procedures that, in many cases, require experienced representation. Therefore, you should understand that this information is not meant to replace the advice of a lawyer.