What you need to know about applying for SSDI and SSI

Most Illinois residents pay into Social Security for years, hoping it will be there for them when they need it at any point in their life. This is particularly true when people become disabled and can no longer work to support themselves or their families. Social Security Disability Insurance and Social Security Income are government programs meant to help people in this position, but getting claims approved can be a bear.

Before applying for SSDI and SSI, it is best to make sure you meet the necessary qualifications. The government has a strict definition of disability. If you fail to meet that definition, it will result in claim denial. Next, you’ll want to gather all the information and any documentation needed to complete the application. It will just streamline the process.

Information you’ll need to have ready

There is a laundry list of information you’ll need to supply with your application. A few of the items the Social Security Administration needs before it can process your application include:

  • Identifying information: Name, Social Security number, date of birth
  • Financial institution details: Name of bank, account number, routing number
  • Disability details: Medical issue, needs, medications
  • Medical provider information: Name, address, contact information
  • Employment details: Years on the job, income earned, any workers’ compensation claims filed

A full list of information needed to complete your application, as well as documents you’ll need to provide, is on the SSA’s website.

Application process

Once you have everything you need, you can submit your application. You can do this online, in person or over the phone. After you apply, the SSA will review your application, confirm the necessary length of employment to qualify, evaluate current employment, and process and forward the application to the state. After the SSA forwards your application, it is the Illinois Disability Determination Services office that will ultimately accept or reject your claim.

Response

After applying, all you have to do is wait for a response. Someone may contact you for more information if needed, but otherwise, you’ll receive notice in the mail if your application has received approval.

What if my claim fails to receive approval?

If your claim fails to receive approval, know that it is not the end of the line. You may file an appeal. If you wish to do this, you only have 60 days after receiving your response to request an appeal. The appeals process can be an intimidating thing to go through, but thankfully, you have the right to counsel, so you don’t have to go through it alone.

William Wombacher, your Central Illinois Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and Social Security Disability Specialist. I’ll help you!
Call me at 309-674-8125, visit at www.wombacherlaw.com

Serving Peoria, East Peoria, Peoria Heights, Pekin, Dunlap, Chillicothe, Morton, Washington, Metamora, Canton, Galesburg, Lacon, Henry, Bloomington, Normal and surrounding cities and counties of Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton and Knox Counties in Central Illinois.

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The Law Office of William C. Wombacher

Local: 309-674-8125
Fax: 309-674-8149

Commerce Bank Building
416 Main Street Suite 700
Peoria, IL 61602
NELF | National Elder Law Foundation
CAP | Council of Advanced Practitioners | NAELA | National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.
NOSSCR
Illinois State Bar Association