Benefit Counseling: Disability Benefit Specialists
What do disability benefit specialists do?
Disability benefit specialists provide trusted and confidential advice to people with disabilities who are between the ages of 18 and 59. These specialists help people with disabilities by answering questions and solving problems related to:
- Health insurance
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Social Security
- Other public and private benefits
Disability benefit specialists can help with:
- Income, including:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—program that pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you’re “insured,” meaning you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—program that pays benefits based on financial need
- Health insurance, including:
- Housing and utilities, including:
- Financial assistance programs
- Shutoffs
- Expenses, including:
- FoodShare
- Internet bills
- Phone bills
The services disability benefit specialists provide are free. They don’t sell anything and aren’t paid by a company or plan. Their only goal is to help you identify and apply for programs and health care that will best meet your needs.
Find examples of ways benefit specialists can help you.
A disability benefit specialist can help you:
- Advocate on your behalf with other parties.
- Appeal disability benefits that were denied.
- Appeal Medicaid and Medicare services that were denied.
- Apply for Social Security disability benefits, including SSI.
- Apply for programs that will save you money.
- Compare options for health insurance plans, benefits programs, or solutions to an issue.
- Fill out disability review forms.
- Refer you to an attorney when necessary.
Watch a video in American Sign Language about disability benefit specialists.
Who can see a disability benefit specialist?
You can see a disability benefit specialist if you:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 59.
- Have a disability.
- Live in Wisconsin.
If you give permission, your family, friends, and caregivers can also talk to your benefit specialist.
Where can I find a benefit specialist?
Find a benefit specialist near you
Similar services are available for people 60 and older through elder benefit specialists. Also, if you have questions about working and Social Security benefits, you can contact a work incentives benefit specialist.
Program materials
Find program statistics:
- Disability and Elder Benefit Specialist Program Summary Reports, P-00332
- Brochures available in multiple languages: Disability Benefit Specialist Program, P-23168.