How to Apply for Disability in Illinois

If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may be wondering how to apply for disability in Illinois. The process can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps involved in applying for any social security disability benefit in Illinois. We will also provide tips on how to increase your chances of being approved for SSI benefits.

What qualifies for disability in Illinois?

To qualify for disability in Illinois, you need to be unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” due to being disabled. Disabled in this situation means you have been medically declared to have a mental or physical impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or potentially result in death. Eligibility will be determined by an examiner who will assess both your medical condition and your income to determine whether you qualify for social security disability benefits.

Is it difficult to get approved for disability in Illinois?

Statistically speaking, getting approved for disability in Illinois can be difficult as the application detail rate sits at just over 71%. This is because applications are under high scrutiny. The idea is to prevent people from receiving benefits they don’t deserve. In addition, the examiners will carefully evaluate your health and health records to determine if you are unable to carry out the kind of work you would have done in the 15 years prior to your disability.

Once you have passed this hurdle, the examiners will determine whether you can transition into a different type of work. Only once it is clear in their assessment that you would be unable to find any gainful employment will your application for disability be approved in Illinois.

How can I apply for disability in Illinois?

To avoid an undeserved denial of your disability claim, getting everything right in the application process is imperative. If you want to apply for disability in IL, you have several options available. First, you can make an appointment to apply over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Alternatively, you can also make an online application.

If you are unsure about the exact process, you can learn more about the social security disability application form here.

Can I submit an online application?

Yes, the official Social Security web portal provides an online application process which you can access here.

How long can I expect to wait to be approved?

You can expect to wait anywhere between 3 to 5 months to find out if you are approved for disability in Illinois. Additionally, if you are approved, you will need to wait an additional month before you can expect your first disability payments to come through. This is why we recommend you begin the application process as soon as you become aware of your disability, as you may experience financial hardship during the waiting period.

How much does disability pay in Illinois?

Once approved, your non-occupational disability will provide you with a 50% benefit payout, which is higher than your final average compensation or salary.

Can you work while on disability in Illinois?

Traditionally, you wouldn’t have been eligible to work and earn an income within Illinois as well as receive disability payments (though you could earn an income up to $3660.00 working outside of Illinois.

However, if you are interested in trying to rejoin the workforce, Social Security’s work incentives and Ticket to Work program may be perfect for you.

These programs set out special rules to encourage those currently on disability in Illinois to try and reenter the workforce without sacrificing their monthly payments. You can learn more about these programs here.

How much cash assistance can you receive in Illinois?

Illinois offers a number of cash assistance programs targeted at supporting different groups of individuals and providing different levels of support.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides up to $533 per month for struggling families and single or pregnant mothers with a limited income.
• Earnfare provides up to $294 per month.
• Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) can provide between $1-$70 (though this is not a hard cap).
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) gives up to $6,557 back on their federal tax return.

What additional benefits does the state of Illinois offer?

In addition to disability, you can take advantage of a number of benefits in IL. Social Security and Medicare cover the main programs, but there is a wide range of other programs offered by the state for which you may be eligible. These programs can provide you with extra cash assistance, help with medical bills, and more.

You can learn more about the additional resources available in Illinois; check out this list.

What should I know before applying for disability in Illinois?

Before applying for social security benefits in Illinois, it’s important to understand how the process works. The application can be long and complex, and you’ll want to make sure you have everything in order before you begin. Additionally, the waiting period for a decision on your claim can be several months, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Examiners will take a detailed look at your medical and employment history, so you must have all the relevant documentation on hand. You’ll also want to be prepared to answer questions about your disability and how it affects your ability to work.

Finally, before you actually apply, you’ll want to be certain that your individual case is eligible for disability. Again, this comprehensive list of accepted liabilities should provide more guidance.

How can Trajector help me?

With a high rate of denial and potentially difficult process, many individuals who should be eligible for a monthly disability benefit payment in Illinois are turned away. That’s where Trajector can help. A dedicated team of experienced professionals will work tirelessly to help you get the help you deserve. We provide one-on-one support and help unpack the jargon so you can be confident moving forward.

If you need assistance or disability determination services, then get in touch with Trajector today.