When a disabling medical condition prevents you from working, knowing how to file a disability benefits claim in Illinois could help you avoid financial hardship. Disability benefit programs through the Social Security Administration provide monthly cash payments and access to medical insurance through Medicare or Medicaid.
You must meet eligibility requirements, including having medical records documenting that you are disabled according to the evaluation standards used by the Social Security Administration. It’s not easy, and more than two-thirds of the disability applications submitted each year are denied benefits.
The information in this blog explains the Illinois disability benefits application process, including what you can do to avoid processing delays or a denial of benefits. Use it to improve your chance of being approved while also learning how to appeal an unfavorable decision with the assistance of a disability lawyer from GCC Law Firm.
Disability Benefits Eligibility In Illinois
The two disability programs available through the Social Security Administration are Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. The SSDI program is for people who worked long enough and recently enough at jobs or through self-employment while paying Social Security taxes on their earned income.
SSI is primarily for people with limited income and resources. For instance, you cannot own resources with a total value of over $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 for couples. You must be disabled to qualify for disability benefits through SSDI and SSI. However, individuals 65 and older who meet financial limitations and find it hard to pay for food, shelter, and other essentials may be eligible for SSI benefits without being disabled or blind.
The Social Security Administration’s definition of disability is the inability to do substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. The impairment or a combination of impairments must have already lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months or be expected to cause death.
Whether what you do is substantial gainful activity is determined by your monthly wages. The amount changes annually, but the monthly SGA is $1,550 in 2024. It’s $2,590 for someone applying for disability benefits because they are statutorily blind.
It’s common to feel uncertain or confused about meeting the requirements for disability benefits eligibility in Illinois or to have questions about the application process. A free initial consultation at the GCC Law Firm provides answers and clarity.
How To Apply For Disability In Illinois
If you’re wondering how to apply for disability in Illinois, you have a few options, including:
- Filing online: Adults may apply for disability benefits through SSDI and SSI by completing an online application. Applications for disability benefits through SSI for a child who is blind or disabled cannot be done online. It must be done in person at a local Social Security office in Illinois or over the phone. However, you can complete the Child Disability Report online before in-person or telephone meetings.
- In-person application: You apply for disability benefits in Illinois by visiting any of the Social Security offices located throughout the state. Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 for the location of an office near you.
- Phone applications: Applying for benefits over the phone is available for people who cannot do so using in-person or online methods.
The disability professionals at GCC Law Firm can assist you throughout the application process, including providing advice and guidance about the necessary information and documents that you’ll need.
What Happens If Your Disability Claim Is Denied?
Don’t be discouraged if your Social Security disability claim in Illinois is denied. Contact GCC Law Firm immediately because you have only 60 days from receiving the decision to challenge it through the appeal process.
There are four stages to the appeal process. The following three stages take place within the Social Security Administration:
- Reconsideration: Your disability lawyer requests a review of the claim by a claim examiner who was not involved in the original determination.
- Hearing With An Administrative Law Judge: An unfavorable result at the reconsideration stage may be appealed by requesting a hearing where an administrative law judge reviews the claim, including new evidence and witnesses presented by your disability lawyer, before ruling on the appeal.
- Appeals Council Review: An adverse hearing decision may be reviewed by the Appeals Council, which has the authority to overturn it.
An unfavorable Appeals Council decision may be appealed, but this fourth stage of the appeal process occurs outside the Social Security system. Your disability lawyer may recommend starting a civil action in a federal district court, asking a federal judge to overrule the denial of benefits.
Learn More About GCC Law Firm And Your Disability Benefits
The Illinois disability lawyers at GCC Law Firm fight for your right to disability benefits through the SSDI and SSI programs. If you need assistance with an application or to appeal a denial of a claim, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial claim review.