Once A Client – Always A Client

Are You Eligible For Disability Benefits From The Social Security Administration?

If you are unable to work because of a physical or mental disability or impairment, you may qualify for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These are important federal programs that can provide much-needed financial support, but the claims process is often complex, confusing and lengthy. Hiring a skilled and experienced attorney can dramatically simplify the process and improve your chances of receiving benefits in a timely fashion.

You can find the support you need by contacting Injury & Disability Law Office of Wisconsin. Based in Shorewood, we serve clients in the Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin in areas such as Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay, Neenah and Appleton. Let’s talk today about how we can help you get the benefits you need.

Providing Skilled Social Security Disability Guidance And Advocacy

There are many steps involved in pursuing a Social Security Disability claim, including:

  • Completing and submitting the initial application
  • Completing additional questionnaires
  • Gathering relevant medical proof of your disabling condition or diagnosis
  • Coordinating with care providers to obtain or create necessary documentation
  • Attending a hearing before an administrative law judge (in some cases).

It is important to know that many valid claims are rejected the first time they are submitted. This can be both disheartening and delay much-needed financial support. When you work with our caring attorneys, we will handle every step of the claims process for you, ensuring that there are no missed deadlines, omissions or other problems that would lead to lengthy delays or preventable rejections. No attorney can promise a successful outcome, but we promise to utilize our knowledge and experience and work diligently to help you submit the strongest possible claim for why you deserve benefits.

We are also prepared to represent you at all necessary levels of appeal if your claim is denied. And remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no costs or fees unless we recover compensation for you.

What You Need To Know About Social Security Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with health challenges that make it hard to work. Below, you will find answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people in situations like yours.

What disabilities qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes a wide range of physical and mental health conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits. The SSA maintains a detailed list of impairments, often called the “Blue Book,” which organizes qualifying conditions into 14 categories:

  • Musculoskeletal system: This includes conditions like amputation, chronic joint pain and spinal disorders that affect your bones, muscles and joints.
  • Special senses and speech: This covers impairments to your hearing, sight or ability to speak.
  • Respiratory illnesses: Conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis fall under this category.
  • Cardiovascular illnesses: This includes heart-related conditions such as arrhythmia, congenital heart disease and heart failure.
  • Digestive system: Conditions affecting your bowel or liver fall into this category.
  • Chronic kidney disease: This covers ongoing kidney problems that significantly impact your health.
  • Blood disorders: This category covers sickle cell disease, various forms of anemia, hemophilia and bone marrow failure.
  • Skin disorders: Burns, dermatitis and ichthyosis fall under this category.
  • Endocrine disorders: This covers conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems that
    affect your hormones and metabolism.
  • Congenital disorders: This includes conditions like Down syndrome that affect multiple body systems from birth.
  • Neurological disorders: Brain and nervous system conditions including ALS, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries and Parkinson’s disease fall here.
  • Cognitive and mental health conditions: This includes bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia.
  • Cancer: The SSA recognizes various types of cancer as potentially disabling conditions.
  • Immune system diseases: This covers conditions like HIV, inflammatory arthritis and lupus that affect your body’s immune response.

To be eligible, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.

What medical evidence do I need to prove my disability to the SSA?

You will need medical records from your doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers that document your diagnosis, treatment history and how your conditions limit your ability to work. A doctor’s statement explaining the severity of your condition and how it affects your daily activities can be particularly helpful in supporting your claim. You will also need to provide test results, lab work, imaging studies and notes from your medical appointments that show the ongoing nature of your condition. We will work directly with your care providers to obtain the necessary documentation and ensure nothing is missing from your claim.

Can I apply for disability benefits if I’m still working part-time?

Yes, you may be eligible for disability benefits while working part-time. However, you must stay below certain income limits. The agency uses a concept called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to measure your gross monthly earnings. If you earn above a certain threshold, the SSA assumes you are capable of working and will not consider you disabled.

For 2026, the SGA limit is $1,690 per month. If you consistently earn above this limit for six months, the SSA will automatically deny or terminate your claim. This “6-month rule” acts as a hard cutoff that can completely disqualify you from pursuing disability benefits.

Free Consultation With SSDI Lawyers Who Listen And Care

At Injury & Disability Law Office of Wisconsin, we are guided by two core beliefs. First, we believe that each client deserves to be empowered with the knowledge they need to understand their legal options and make informed decisions about their futures. Second, we believe that once you become a client, you are a client for life. We are here to help you now and at any time in the future.

To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach out online or call 414-988-3401. We are pleased to offer consultations in your home or at our office, depending on your needs and preferences.