How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Wisconsin

Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.

Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.

Workers in Wisconsin who can’t work any longer because they have an illness or injury can apply for Social Security disability benefits. Disability benefits in Wisconsin can be paid to anyone who has worked in the past but can’t work any longer because they are sick or injured. If you need money to help pay for living expenses like housing, food, or utilities you can use Social Security disability benefits to pay your bills and get what you need. 

The Definition Of Disability In Wisconsin

In order to be approved for disability benefits in Wisconsin you will have to show that you meet the definition of disability in Wisconsin. The state of Wisconsin and the Social Security Administration consider someone disabled if they are unable to engage in any kind of substantial gainful activity and they won’t be able to engage in substantial gainful activity for at least a year. 

Substantial gainful activity means any kind of work that you can get paid for. If you can’t perform any kind of tasks that an employer would pay for then you may qualify for Socia Security disability benefits. 

Wisconsin workers who qualify for disability benefits can also apply for other benefits including benefits for housing, food, and medical care. 

What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Wisconsin?

Just being sick isn’t enough to qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin.  Before you apply for Social Security disability benefits you need to look through the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book and see if the condition that you have is listed there. To find out if your medical condition is in the Blue Book you can search the Blue Book on the  SSA’s website. Your local SSA office also has a copy of the Blue Book you can look at. 

When you’ve confirmed that the illness you have is in the Blue Book you should start gathering medical evidence. You will have to submit your medical records, a letter of diagnosis, and as much medical history as you can to show that you meet all of the requirements that are listed for the condition you have. If you can’t show that you meet all of the requirements your application will likely be denied. 

You also need to be able to show that you have work credits to be approved for disability benefits in Wisconsin. Work credits are based on the amount of money that you make and how many hours you work. It’s possible to earn up to 4 work credits per year. 

Types of Disability Benefits Available in Wisconsin

Disabled people in Wisconsin who can’t work can apply for SSDI or SSI, both types of disability benefits are available in Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Wisconsinites who have worked before can apply for Social Security disability insurance, or SSDI. Workers pay into the Social Security system so that they are eligible to apply for SSDI if they become disabled and have to stop working. You can apply for SSDI if you have worked before and earned work credits.  If your application for SSDI is not approved when you apply, you can appeal the denial. The average monthly SSDI payment in Wisconsin in 2024 is $1460.01

Wisconsin Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is also a disability benefit, but it’s a different kind of disability benefit. People who have never been able to work because they’ve been disabled since childhood can apply for SSI because they don’t qualify for SSDI.

If you’re a parent in Wisconsin who is struggling to make ends meet because you are caring for a disabled child, you can apply for SSI on behalf of your child. But you will need to first prove that you are low-income and that your total household income is below the income cap the Social Security Administration has created.

To do that you will have to submit W2s, tax returns, pay stubs, or other proof that your income is below the cap. You will also have to submit documentation each month showing where the benefit money is spent because it must be spent on the child’s expenses. 

State of Wisconsin Disability Programs

The state of Wisconsin and private employers offer short-term disability benefits to workers, but you must sign up for these benefit programs. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. If you do become disabled, you can start claiming benefits on the 8th day after you are officially disabled. 

Long-term disability coverage is usually included with short-term disability protections. You can receive both long-term disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits. But the amount of your SSDI may be reduced in that case. The total of the two benefits can’t be more than your previous salary. 

Find A Disability Lawyer In Wisconsin

If you find applying for disability benefits in Wisconsin confusing or a little intimidating you’re not alone. The process is designed to be that way. Talking to a Wisconsin disability lawyer can really help. A good Wisconsin disability lawyer can help you understand the process of applying for disability benefits in Wisconsin. 

A disability lawyer in Wisconsin can help you with tasks like:

  • Filling out the application paperwork
  • Talking you through the application process.
  • Advising you on what medical documentation you need.
  • Helping you meet deadlines.
  • Arguing your appeal.

You’ll be much more confident about your application when you have advice from a disability lawyer. And, if your application is denied your Wisconsin disability lawyer can help you with an appeal. 

You don’t have to pay anything upfront to speak with a Wisconsin disability lawyer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Wisconsin disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice. 

How Much Disability Can You Receive in Wisconsin?

People who apply for Social Security disability benefits in Wisconsin and are approved may receive up to $3,822 a month in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.

To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Wisconsin Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application. 

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!