how to get disability benefits in illinois

• visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA's office locator can help you find the location nearest to you.
• telephone the SSA at (800)772-1213. A customer service representative can make an appointment for you to apply in person or via telephone.
• visit www.ssa.gov and apply for disability benefits online. (Note: you can only apply for SSDI, not SSI, online.)

How to take the first step to apply for disability?

When it comes to getting approved for disability benefits, the SSA looks at three things:

• Are you working right now, even if it’s just part-time? If not, how long ago did you stop working? ...
• If you can’t work right now, will you get better in less than 12 months? ...
• Have you worked full-time for five out of the last 10 years in a job that withholds FICA taxes? Getting approved for disability benefits also depends on your work history. ...

What are the qualifications for disability in Illinois?

The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

How much money can you get for disability?

• 90% of the first $1,024 of average indexed monthly earnings
• 32% of the average indexed monthly earnings over $1,024 through $6,172, and
• 15% of the average indexed monthly earnings over $6,172.

How do you apply for disability in Illinois?

If they cannot do other work, they may qualify for SSD or SSI disability benefits.

• The Disability reconsideration Appeal - what is it and how do you file for it?
• What happens if a reconsideration for Social Security Disability or SSI is denied?
• Tips for getting disability approved when you File
• Should you get a doctor statement for your Disability Case?

What qualifies you for disability in Illinois?

To become eligible for SSDI disability benefits, you must have insured status. To have this insured status, you must have worked long enough and recently enough before your disability. If you are age 31 or older, in general, you need to have worked for 5 of the last 10 years.

What conditions are considered a disability?

The legal definition of “disability” states that a person can be considered disabled if they are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medical or physical impairment or impairments which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of ...

Is it easy to get disability in Illinois?

Level I: Disability Application - In a typical year, more than 71 percent of individuals filing an application for disability in Illinois will be denied on their initial claim, or disability application.

How much does disability pay in Illinois?

In Illinois, you can expect to receive up to $771 per month in federal SSI payments as a single individual or $1,157 for couples.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

What are 4 hidden disabilities?

The four most common types of hidden disabilities are:Autoimmune Diseases. In most people, the body's immune system protects them from invaders like bacteria and viruses. ... Mental Health Conditions. ... Neurological Disorders. ... Chronic Pain and Fatigue Disorders.

How long does it take to get on disability in Illinois?

about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.

Can you work while on disability?

Can You Work While on SSDI? Generally, SSDI recipients can't do what's considered "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. In a nutshell, doing SGA means you're working and making more than $1,350 per month in 2022 (or $2,260 if you're blind).

How hard is it to get on disability?

Approval Rates For Denials Social Security disability applications face an overwhelming 70% denial rate upon initial evaluation. That is a huge number but it is based upon several very different factors, such as applying for a condition that does not meet the criteria or lack of proper medical documentation.

How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability BenefitsFile Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ... Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ... Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ... Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ... Report your Symptoms Accurately. ... Provide Medical Evidence. ... Provide Details of your Work History.More items...•

Can you work while on disability in Illinois?

Under SSDI rules, you can have a trial work period. You may test your ability to work and still be considered disabled . This means your earnings during the trial period will not affect SSDI. SSA does not consider the disability ended until you have completed 9 trial work months.

Does disability pay more than Social Security?

In general, SSDI pays more than SSI. Based on data from 2020: The average SSDI payment is $1,258 per month. The average SSI payment is $575 per month.

How to File For Disability in Illinois

There are a few different ways to file for Social Security disability benefits in Illinois. You can: 1. visit your local Social Security Administra...

Appealing A Disability Decision in Illinois

If you apply for Social Security or SSI disability in Illinois, you will receive a written decision on your claim in approximately 3-4 months. Appr...

Illinois SSI Supplemental Payment

Illinois residents who are awarded SSI may be eligible for an additional payment from the state of Illinois, called the state supplemental payment...

Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Illinois

If you are interested in obtaining vocational rehab services to help you return to work, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Rehabilita...

Getting Help With Your Illinois Social Security Disability Claim

The laws, rules, and procedures of applying for Social Security disability in Illinois can be difficult for a disabled worker to navigate on their...

How much money can I get for disability in Illinois?

The SSI program screens every Illinois disability applicant for financial purposes. First, you cannot receive more than $1,260/month to qualify for SSI. This includes any money you get on a monthly basis, not just your work earnings. The SSA looks for things like alimony, child support payments, savings account interest, etc. Next, they’ll look at how much you currently have in your bank account. If your balance is more than $2,000, the SSI program won’t approve you for Illinois disability benefits. Then, the SSA looks for other countable assets that may push you over that $2,000 limit. Anything you can sell easily for cash goes into that category, such as jewelry, stocks, bonds, etc. Things the SSA won’t count towards your total asset limit include:

How long does it take to get a disability check in Illinois?

Six months from your SSDI application date is the soonest you’ll get your first Illinois disability check. Actual wait times vary, but each SSDI application takes about 3-5 months to process. Federal law enforces a five-month waiting period before any applicant can receive monthly SSDI benefits.

How often do you have to update your SSDI in Illinois?

Instead, the SSA needs to confirm you’re still too disabled to work once every 3, 5 or 7 years. You must pass each SSDI update report in order to receive more Illinois disability payments. However, these disability update checks automatically stop when you reach your FRA.

How many people in Illinois are on SSDI?

More than 2.5 million people in Illinois — or 1 in 5 residents — are currently aged 50-64. Those are prime years for collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits! However, just 2.2% collected Illinois disability through the federal SSDI program in 2018. Another 1.8% received Illinois disability payments from the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. If you can’t work for at least 12 months due to health problems, you might also qualify for Illinois disability. We’ll explain how to apply, eligibility rules and payment amounts for both programs below.

What is the second federal program for Illinois?

There’s a second federal program that pays Illinois disability benefits to people who cannot meet all SSDI requirements. Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is designed to help poor people who are blind, disabled or age 65 and up.

How much income do you need to qualify for SSI in Illinois?

Eligible couples need less than $3,000 in assets and $1,260 in monthly income to qualify for SSI-based Illinois disability benefits. 3.

Can I draw Social Security and Social Security at the same time?

After that, SSDI benefits convert into regular Social Security. Read this to learn why you can’t draw Social Security retirement and disability at the same time.

How to apply for disability in Illinois?

There are a few different ways to file for Social Security disability benefits in Illinois. You can: 1 visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA's office locator can help you find the location nearest to you. 2 telephone the SSA at (800)772-1213. A customer service representative can make an appointment for you to apply in person or via telephone. 3 visit www.ssa.gov and apply for disability benefits online. (Note: you can only apply for SSDI, not SSI, online.)

What is SSDI in Illinois?

While Social Security disability ( SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal benefit programs that provide cash payments to those who are unable to work, there is some specific information that you should know if you intend to file for disability in Illinois.

What to do if you are denied disability benefits in Illinois?

If you've been denied benefits and need to appeal, it makes sense to talk to a disability lawyer, who can increase your chances of winning your appeal. You can use our lawyer locator below to contact an Illinois disability lawyer. Updated September 30, 2019. Talk to a Disability Lawyer.

How to apply for Social Security in person?

visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The SSA's office locator can help you find the location nearest to you. telephone the SSA at (800)772-1213. A customer service representative can make an appointment for you to apply in person or via telephone.

Where are disability appeals held in Illinois?

Disability appeal hearings in Illinois are held at the SSA's Offices of Hearing Operations (OHO). These offices were formerly known as Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Below is the contact information for Illinois's OHO offices.

How long does it take to get an ALJ hearing in Illinois?

The average wait for a disability ALJ hearing in Illinois is 14 months, slightly shorter than the national average. While an ALJ may occasionally announce their opinion at a disability hearing, in the majority of cases, you'll receive a written decision in the mail approximately 30 days after your hearing. Stage of Application.

How is medical evidence obtained for disability?

The process that is used to render a determination goes as follows: a claimant's medical evidence will be obtained from the treatment sources listed at the time of filing for disability and then reviewed to see if the claimant has a condition meets or equals a listing in the Social Security list of impairments.

Where is a disability claim sent?

After a disability claim is transferred from the Social Security office where it has been taken, it is sent to a state DDS, or disability determination services agency , where it becomes part of a disability examiner's caseload.

What is the primary function of a disability examiner?

The disability examiner's primary function is to obtain the medical evidence and ascertain in what ways and to what extent the claimant is functionally limited, either physically or mentally, or both. There are two ways to approve a disability claim. Disability examiners may approve a claim in two separate ways.

How far in advance do you have to get to the hearing office for disability?

Fortunately, the hearings office will notify a claimant of their appointment for a disability hearing at least 20 days in advance of the hearing date.

Why are disability claims not approved?

Most claims, of course, will not be approved on the basis of a listing due to the fact that the approval criteria is very specific, often more specific than the information that can be extracted from the claimant's medical records. Possibly 20-25 percent of disability approvals are made on the basis of a listing.

What is a blue book in SSA?

A listing is simply a medical condition, physical or mental, that is contained, or listed, in the SSA list of disabling impairments, which in printed form is known as the blue book.

How much notice do you need for a Social Security hearing?

In most cases, claimants will have over a month's advance notice. Prior to the hearing being schedulded, a claimant may wish to inquire into the status of their hearing appeal request. If this is the case, a call can be made to the Social Security office where the claim was initiated.

What is Citizens Disability?

Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been America’s premier Social Security Disability institution. Our services include helping people in applying for SSDI benefits, managing the process through Reconsideration, and representing people in person at their Hearing, and if necessary, bringing their case to the Appeals Council. Our mission is to give a voice to the millions of Americans who are disabled and unable to work, helping them receive the Social Security Disability benefits to which they may be entitled. Learn more about us and disability benefits like SSDI & SSI or give us a call (800)492-3260.

What is the number to call for Social Security Disability?

Learn more about us and disability benefits like SSDI & SSI or give us a call (800)492-3260.

What is the OHO office in Illinois?

These are the “Office of Hearing Operations” offices in Illinois. These offices are where hearings are scheduled and generally conducted. Each OHO office supports a number of regional Social Security Administration field offices. You are likely (but not guaranteed) to have your hearing scheduled with a Judge who works in the OHO office that supports the SSA field office nearest to you.

How many hearing offices are there in Illinois?

Illinois is part of the Social Security Administration’s “Region 5,” which is headquartered in Chicago. There are 6 hearing offices in Illinois. You can see waiting times for hearings & case dispositions for each office below, with comparisons to Illinois and National Averages.

Is applying for social security a new experience?

Applying for social security benefits is likely a new experience for most applicants, and having an idea of what they can expect from the process can help them be engaged and involved participants with their advocates.

What are the two disability programs in Illinois?

The federal government operates two separate disability benefit programs: Social Security Disability and SSI. And the qualifications for disability in Illinois in either program can be broken down into two separate categories. The first may be called program eligibility.

How many credits do you need to get a disability?

For most adult disability applicants, this will mean having earned about forty work credits, twenty of which should have been earned in the last 10 years.

Is there a work credit requirement for SSI?

For SSI, a.k.a. supplemental security income a.k.a. title 16 benefits, there is no work credits requirement. In fact, SSI disability exists to provide benefits to individuals who are not insured for Social Security Disability.

What is the Illinois disability program?

Illinois disability benefit programs. Individuals with a disability can receive additional assistance from a number of Illinois programs and services. These resources are above and beyond any other local, federal government, or non-profit programs that are also accessible to them. There are several different government organizations ...

What is the number to call for disability benefits?

DHS can provide more information, or call 1-800-842-1461. Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities is for those individuals with a disability that are still working.

What is the number to apply for Illinois RX?

There may be some minimal premiums or co-payments due. To learn more or apply for Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities, call 1-800-226-0768. Prescription Drug Coverage is mostly provided by the Illinois Rx Buying Club. This is available to uninsured Illinoisans who meet certain income and asset limits.

What is the phone number for the Department of Mental Health?

Call 1-800-843-6154 for information. Or they also operate from about 50 offices across the state, so residents can call a local center. The Division of Mental Health is also part of the Department of Human Services. This particular group is focused on helping children, adolescents and adults.

What is the UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children?

UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children will help medically eligible children and their families access benefits and services.

What is the Illinois cash compensation program?

Cash compensation is offered as part of Social Security and Disability Benefits. Illinois individuals and their families can apply for this program and it is fully supported by the state. Call 1-800-772-1213., or find more details on cash assistance programs in Illinois. The Division of Developmental Disabilities is a DHS agency.

Does Illinois provide medical care for the disabled?

Illinois will provide the disabled with access to a comprehensive healthcare program. The state can help pay for prescription drugs, doctor visits, hospital care, emergency room coverage, durable medical equipment, long term care, and other healthcare services. Aid is also offered to qualified immigrants.

How do I apply for disability benefits?

You can apply for Disability benefits online, or if you are unable to complete the application online, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

How long does it take to get SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have a five month waiting period, which means that benefit payments will not begin before the sixth full month of disability. The SSDI waiting period begins the first full month after the date we decide your disability began.

When will I get my ALS disability?

There is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020. We pay Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for the first full month after the date you filed your claim, or, if later, the date you become eligible for SSI.

What is the work incentive for Social Security?

There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, ...

When do child benefits stop?

The child's benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled.

Does Social Security pay for partial disability?

Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true: You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.

What are the benefits of SSDI?

Who can receive these services? 1 SSDI benefits are available to eligible individuals who are disabled and have been employed and made contributions to the Social Security fund through wage deductions. 2 SSI benefits are available to eligible individuals who are disabled and have limited income and resources.

How long does SSI last?

An individual's eligibility for disability benefits is based upon medical evidence and whether the disability is expected to last a minimum of 12 months or for the remainder of the person's life.

How long does it take to get a Social Security check?

The average time for an individual to be notified of the decision is about 90 days. The local Social Security office determines the amount of the monthly benefit check and also advises the customer when to expect the first check.