Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a form of disability benefits offered to Wisconsin residents via the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). You may qualify for SSI if you have a disability that prevents you from working and earning an income. If the SSA approves your application, you’ll receive monthly benefits checks that can help you cover the cost of food, housing, and other such benefits.
Keep reading to learn more. The following overview will cover SSI eligibility in Wisconsin, how to apply for SSI in Wisconsin, and how a Wisconsin disability attorney can help you throughout the process.
Eligibility Criteria for SSI in Wisconsin
The SSA offers SSI to individuals and married couples when they have little to no income and/or financial resources. To receive State of Wisconsin SSI benefits through the SSA, an applicant typically can’t earn more than $1,971 from work every month. Be aware that these numbers can change as the SSA makes adjustments to account for factors like changes in the cost of living.
The SSA will also account for an applicant’s financial resources when determining if they deserve SSI benefits in Wisconsin. An individual applicant’s financial resources can’t total more than $2,000, or they won’t be eligible for the program. Examples of financial resources the SSA may account for include:
- Vehicles
- Money saved in bank accounts
These aren’t necessarily the only financial details the SSA considers when reviewing an application. For example, the SSA might also account for pensions, unemployment income, and other forms of income and financial resources to determine eligibility.
Satisfying medical criteria is also necessary to access SSI in Wisconsin. Unless an applicant is aged 65 or older, they must satisfy medical criteria by having a disability that at least ONE of the following applies to:
- Their disability prevents them from working for at least a year.
- Their disability is medically likely to result in death.
In cases involving children with disabilities, an applicant may also qualify for SSI if it can be shown that their disability severely limits their daily activity.
SSI Benefits in Wisconsin
As of this writing, the federal benefit rate for SSI is:
- $967 a month for individuals
- $1,450 a month for couples
Be aware that the above are maximums. It’s likely that someone who qualifies for SSI benefits in Wisconsin will receive less than those amounts when the SSA sends their monthly checks.
That said, Wisconsin adds a state benefit that supplements what the federal government provides when residents qualify for SSI. This state benefit is added automatically to the monthly payment someone in Wisconsin receives from the SSA. They don’t need to apply separately to add the state SSI payment.
In Wisconsin, the state SSI payment in 2024 is:
- $83.78 for individuals
- $132.05 for couples
- $130.43 for couples in which only one spouse is eligible
These amounts get added to the SSI payment someone already receives. For example, perhaps someone receives the maximum federal benefit of $967 a month (which, again, is rare). With the added $83.78 state payment, their total monthly benefit would be $1,026.78.
It’s worth noting that you also automatically qualify for Medicaid in Wisconsin if you receive SSI payments. As with the additional state payment, you don’t need to complete a separate application to receive Medicaid.
Applying for SSI in Wisconsin
Checking the SSA’s Blue Book should be among your first steps before you apply for SSI in Wisconsin. This is a resource that contains listings for the numerous illnesses and conditions that may qualify someone for SSI. If you find a listing for your condition, it will also contain specific information about the documentation you may need to provide to show you meet medical criteria for SSI benefits in Wisconsin. Gather the necessary evidence ahead of time to minimize the odds of the SSA denying your initial claim.
Once you’re prepared to apply, you can do so:
- Online
- By calling the SSA at (800) 772-1213
- By visiting your local SSA office in Wisconsin
Again, the Blue Book listing will describe any types of medical documentation you may need to include with your application. Other documents and information the SSA states you may need when applying for benefits include:
- Birth record or other such proof of identity
- Financial records to show you meet income and financial resource criteria
- General medical records
- Proof of living arrangements
- Social Security number
The timeline for receiving a decision when you apply for SSI in Wisconsin can depend on many factors. Generally, you should expect to receive a decision within six to eight months of submitting an application.
Appeals Process for Denied SSI Applications in Wisconsin
It’s not uncommon for the SSA to deny initial claims. The SSA has an appeals process for applicants who disagree with its decisions. The process involves:
- Asking for a reconsideration, which essentially means asking the SSA to review your application with a fresh set of eyes
- Requesting a hearing with an administrative law judge if the SSA still denies your claim after a reconsideration
- Asking for an Appeals Council Review if the administrative law judge still doesn’t decide in your favor
- Taking the SSA to federal court if necessary
The SSA will often provide an applicant with an explanation for why an application was denied when sending the initial denial letter. Review this information thoroughly. By understanding the reason for a denial, you can make the necessary adjustments to improve your chances of receiving an approval through an appeal.
Resources and Support for SSI Applicants in Wisconsin
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in Wisconsin provide the elderly and those with disabilities with a range of services. Help applying for SSI is one such service. Consider researching this option, as the various other services available through a Wisconsin ADRC may also serve your needs.
Working with a Wisconsin SSI Lawyer
There are many reasons to strongly consider enlisting a Wisconsin SSI attorney’s help when applying for benefits. A lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing your case, answering questions, and helping you better understand whether you qualify for SSI
- Gathering the medical documentation and other such documentation necessary to show you’re eligible for benefits
- Helping you complete and submit application materials in a timely manner
- Handling correspondence with the SSA
- Assisting with all steps in the appeals process if the SSA denies your initial claim
Quite simply, a lawyer understands what the SSA looks for when deciding whether to approve an application. Having this type of help on your side can be quite valuable right now. Learn more about what a Wisconsin SSI lawyer can do for you by taking the Free Case Evaluation today to speak with an attorney who may be able to help with your case.
