The Wisconsin Disability Determination Bureau, which operates through the Department of Health Services, is the state agency responsible for making the initial decisions on disability claims.
Those with enough work credits may qualify for SDDI while residents with little to no previous earnings may qualify for SSI if they have limited income and few assets. If approved for SSI benefits, you may be able to receive an additional monthly payment from the state. The amount of this SSI supplement will depend on your living situation, but for most eligible individuals it is $83.78. Couples may receive up to $132.05.
About 6.2 percent of people living in Wisconsin between the ages of 18 and 64 are receiving SSDI, SSI or both. This is in accordance with the latest data provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
While many disability claims are denied, Wisconsin residents have a greater chance of obtaining benefits than the national average. The state has almost a 40 percent approval rate compared to about a 38 percent approval rate nationwide.
If you need help obtaining disability benefits, an Oshkosh-based Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm is available to take your call.
The initial consultation is free. (877) 888-5201.
Appealing a Denied Disability Claim
One of the top reasons for a denied disability claim is insufficient medical evidence, which is needed to help show the severity of your condition and how it prevents you from working. If you have received a denial notice, you are within your rights to appeal the decision.
Request for Reconsideration
A request for reconsideration is the first step in appealing a denied disability claim. A different claims examiner will handle the reconsideration. A decision is usually made within three to five months.
Year-over-year, Wisconsin has had a consistently greater percentage of approvals at the reconsideration level than the national average. In 2020, the state’s reconsideration approval rate was about 20 percent, compared to around 13 percent nationwide.
However, your chance of being approved at the reconsideration phase is still not very high. Many applicants often need to continue to the next step of the appeals process, which is requesting a disability hearing.
This is where having legal representation could prove beneficial. Our legal team at Sigman Janssen is prepared to help review the details of your claim to determine why you were originally denied disability benefits. Most often, it is because of insufficient medical evidence.
If this is the case, we are ready to gather all the necessary documentation to establish the severity of your condition and show that you meet the specific criteria needed for approval. This will likely include details on limitations and restrictions, lab results, treatment plans, examination notes, medications prescribed, opinions from your treating doctor and anything else deemed relevant.
We are also ready to provide guidance if you are asked by the SSA to attend additional medical exams.
Even though Wisconsin residents may have a better chance of getting approved, you need a strong case, which is why it is in your best interest to be represented by an experienced attorney.
Get the help you need today. (877) 888-5201.
Disability Hearing
A disability hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ) will allow you the opportunity to talk directly to the individual responsible for determining your eligibility for disability. The ALJ will ask you questions and an expert witness (i.e. medical or vocational expert), may also offer his or her opinion.
The average hearing wait time in Wisconsin is 9.5 months – which is about three months less than the national average at 11.8 months. The average number of cases approved at the hearing level in the state is slightly better than the national average.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) helps disabled Wisconsin residents looking to return to work in some capacity. The DWD offers a number of vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, employment counseling and provides assistance with disability-related accommodations. In Oshkosh, the vocational rehabilitation office is located at 219 Washington Avenue, Suite 105.
Wisconsin Social Security Field Offices
There are 26 social security field offices located in Wisconsin. The Oshkosh office is located at 400 City Ctr Suite B. The Appleton office is located at 607 W. Northland Ave and the Green Bay office is located at 1561 Dousman St.
It is important to note that field offices remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person service is by appointment only and for limited, dire need situations.
Helping Claimants for Decades
Sigman Janssen is here to help improve your chances of being approved for disability. Our firm has represented many claimants and assisted them in obtaining the benefits they need. Let us answer your questions about Social Security Disability in a risk-free, no-obligation legal consultation.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees to retain our services. There are also no fees while we work on a case and only get paid if you receive disability payments.
Free Case Review. Ph: (877) 888-5201