If you live in Wisconsin and can’t earn a living because a disability prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI). The US Social Security Administration (SSA) offers SSDI in Wisconsin to help those who can’t work pay for housing, food, and other such necessities.
The following overview will cover the essentials of SSDI eligibility in Wisconsin. It will also explain how to apply for SSDI in Wisconsin, and how you may benefit from coordinating with a State of Wisconsin SSDI lawyer.
SSDI Eligibility Criteria in Wisconsin
To satisfy SSI eligibility in Wisconsin, you must meet certain requirements pertaining to your health, work history, and finances.
Medical Disability Requirements
You may start to apply for SSDI in Wisconsin by first referencing the SSA’s Blue Book. This resource lists the conditions the SSA generally considers to be disabilities.
Check if the Blue Book has a listing for your condition. If so, the listing should also provide information about the types of medical evidence you may need to include in your SSDI application.
For the SSA to determine whether a condition qualifies as a disability, it should also:
- Last at least 12 months (during which time an applicant is unable to work), and/or
- Be medically likely to result in an applicant’s death
Work Requirements
You may qualify for SSDI in Wisconsin if you’ve earned sufficient work credits. A worker in the US earns work credits for every year that they work and contribute to the Social Security system. Currently, an American worker can earn a maximum of four work credits in a given year.
The general rule is that someone needs to have earned 40 work credits or more over the course of their career to qualify for SSDI. In addition, at least 20 of those credits must have been earned within the 10-year span immediately preceding the date they became disabled.
What if you’re too young to have the work experience necessary to earn 40 work credits? The SSA can make exceptions based on age. Consider discussing this matter with a Wisconsin SSDI lawyer for more information about your options.
Financial Requirements
Finally, to show you qualify for the State of Wisconsin SSDI, you must also show you meet certain financial requirements. Specifically, you must show that you earn below a certain amount of money (known as substantial gainful income, or SGA) every month and thus require SSDI to help you cover the cost of basics.
SGA changes due to changes in cost of living, inflation, and other such factors. In 2025, SGA for someone who isn’t blind is $1,620. That means an individual who earns more than this much money every month may not qualify for SSDI. However, if someone is statutorily blind, SGA in 2025 is $2,700.
SSDI Benefits in Wisconsin
The maximum monthly SSDI benefit someone may receive in Wisconsin in 2025 is $4,018 a month. Because this is the maximum, when you apply for SSDI in Wisconsin, you shouldn’t necessarily expect to receive this amount if you get an approval.
The SSA accounts for your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) when calculating SSDI payments. The amount you receive in SSDI will thus be based primarily on your average earnings before you became disabled. Be aware that, contrary to what many believe, the severity of a disability typically isn’t a factor the SSA accounts for when calculating SSDI.
If you qualify for SSDI, you also automatically qualify for Medicare. This automatic qualification kicks in after you’ve received SSDI for two years. Wisconsin also offers a Medicare supplement plan that may add to the Medicare benefits and services one already receives from the federal government.
Applying for SSDI in Wisconsin
Before starting to apply for SSDI in Wisconsin, you should:
- Check the Blue Book and any other relevant resources to ensure you thoroughly understand the medical criteria you need to satisfy.
- Gather the medical evidence you’ll need to submit with your application. If you submit an application with insufficient medical evidence, there’s a good chance the SSA will deny it.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary evidence and documentation, you can begin the application process:
- Online
- By calling the SSA at (800) 772-1213
- By visiting your local Wisconsin SSA office and starting the application process in-person
Along with the medical documentation described in the Blue Book, you may need the following types of documentation and information when applying for benefits:
- Birth certificate or other such proof of birth
- Proof of identity and citizenship status
- General medical records
- Work records
- Financial records
- Social Security numbers
Don’t expect an immediate response from the SSA when you submit your application. It can take the SSA an average of seven months (when everything runs relatively smoothly) to render an initial decision on an application.
Monitor for any correspondence from the SSA during this time. The SSA may contact you asking for additional documentation and information. Responding to these requests promptly can help you avoid delays.
Appeals Process for Denied SSDI Applications in Wisconsin
You might not realize that the SSA actually denies most initial applications for SSDI. You can appeal the SSA’s decision if your claim receives a denial. Doing so involves the following steps. If you receive an approval at any of the following stages, you don’t need to move to the next stage:
- Requesting a reconsideration, in which the SSA reviews your application with a fresh set of eyes
- Asking for a hearing with an administrative law judge
- Asking for an Appeals Council Review
- Requesting federal court review
Your initial denial letter will explain the timeline for filing an appeal. Don’t miss the deadline, or you’ll have to start the application process over again.
The denial letter should also explain the SSA’s reasons for denying your claim. Review this information thoroughly, so that you can submit a revised application that’s less likely to receive a denial.
Resources for SSDI Applicants in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) offer, among a variety of other services, Social Security support to elderly and disabled Wisconsin residents. This resource may prove helpful as you apply for SSDI in Wisconsin.
Working with a Wisconsin SSDI Lawyer
One of the best ways to simplify the process of applying for SSDI and proving SSDI eligibility in Wisconsin is to enlist the help of a Wisconsin SSDI attorney. The following are just some of the ways a lawyer can assist you throughout this otherwise overwhelming process:
- Answering questions about your case and helping you better understand whether you qualify for SSDI
- Gathering the medical documentation and other such documentation needed to submit with your claim
- Completing and submitting application paperwork by the deadline
- Responding to correspondence from the SSA
- Appealing the SSA’s decision if you receive a denial
With a lawyer by your side, you can focus on your health needs while a professional handles your Wisconsin SSDI application. Learn more by taking the Free Case Evaluation today to get connected with a Wisconsin SSDI attorney who may be able to help with your case.
