If you are unable to work because of a medical condition and you live in Wisconsin, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits in Wisconsin. Disability benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide disabled workers who meet specific criteria with monthly benefits.
These monthly benefits can be used for basic living expenses and for medical care. The key to a successful disability claim is providing supporting documentation and hard medical evidence.
Social Security Benefits in Wisconsin
If you live in Wisconsin, you will need to know the locations of the SSA offices. You can start your application process online or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213. You can also schedule an appointment at a field office to meet with a worker.
There are 24 field offices in the state. Offices are in Appleton, Eau Claire, Fond Du Lac, Green Bay, Greenfield, La Crosse, Lancaster, Madison, Manitowoc, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Portage, Racine, Rhinelander, Rice Lake, Sheboygan, Superior, Waukesha, Wausau, West Bend, and Wisconsin Rapids. You will want to use the field office nearest you.
Social Security Disability Statistics in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, 35.6% of all disability claims are approved during the initial review. This is higher than the national average of 31.2%. If your claim is denied, you can file a request for reconsideration, which is also called an appeal.
Denied Social Security Claims in Wisconsin
Your claim denial notice from the SSA will explain why your disability claim was denied and how long you have so you can file an appeal. If you wait too long, your claim is dismissed, and you must start the claims process all over again.
At that time, your claim is reviewed again, and you can include any additional evidence or documentation to help your claim be approved. Only 10% to 20% of claims are approved during the reconsideration. Most claims are approved on the hearing level.
In Wisconsin, it takes an average 9.5 months waiting for a hearing date through the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). There is an average 320-day processing time for a disability claim in the state. Your odds of having your claim approved on the hearing level are higher, with 46% of claims being approved after a hearing. There are two ODAR offices where hearings are conducted. The office in Madison has 12 judges and a 48% approval rating while the office in Milwaukee has 28 judges and they see a 43% approval on hearing level.
Filing a Disability Claim in Wisconsin
A disability claim requires strong supporting evidence and medical records that confirm the severity of the condition and that support your claim proving you are unable to work and will not be able to work for at least 12 months. Documentation and evidence are essential to the success of your disability claim. You need to prepare a detailed list of your medical providers, include approximate dates of service, and then include supporting medical evidence, which should include physician notes, surgical notes if applicable, lab results, imaging reports, pathology reports if applicable, and your detailed treatment plan.
There is an average 320-day processing for a Wisconsin disability claim. However, some claims are approved much more quickly because of the supporting evidence provided.
Help Filing for Disability Benefits in Wisconsin
If you are a resident of Wisconsin who is unable to work, you may benefit from the help of a disability attorney. A survey showed that 60% of the claimants who hired a disability lawyer were eventually approved for disability benefits.
Disability lawyers can make sure disability packets are completed in detail and that all the supporting medical evidence and documentation needed to prove the severity of your condition is made available to disability examiner.
Also, if your claim advances to a hearing level, the disability lawyer may be able to represent you at the hearing and prepare you for the questioning that you will undergo before the judge and the vocational expert. If you are unable to work in Wisconsin because of a medical condition, you should consult with a disability lawyer.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details of your claim with an independent, participating a disability attorney who subscribes to the website and represents disabled workers in Wisconsin. With the right documentation and evidence, you can get your claim on the right track and work on being approved for disability benefits in Wisconsin.
