Illinois Disability Benefits

The Illinois Department of Human services’ Disability Determination Services administers the state’s Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The program assists those who are unable to work due to a disability.

Illinois DDS is charged with issuing determinations about which citizens are eligible for SSDI benefits and Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The DDS will collect and review all of your medical records and information and may also schedule a consultative examination for you with a medical doctor the DDS retains.

If you live in Illinois and have a disability that keeps you from being able to work, one or both of these programs may be able to help. These disability programs offer financial benefits for disabled individuals but with much different financial eligibility requirements.

Facts About Illinois

Roughly one in four (23%) of all Illinois residents report suffering from some form of medical disability. These disabilities cost the state of Illinois approximately $32.8 billion per year in health care costs – equal to around 33% of the state’s total health care spending. This balances out to nearly $19,000 per disabled Illinois resident.

Residents of Illinois are most likely to report disabilities that deal with either mobility or cognition. Out of the estimated 8 million residents of the state of Illinois, roughly 3.5% receive some form of Social Security disability benefits.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, qualified SSDI claimants must be currently disabled and have enough work credits. These work credits are earned by staying employed over the years and paying FICA taxes on each paycheck.

In addition to the work credits requirement, you must also meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability. Based on your medical records, background information, and other documentation, the Illinois DDS will determine whether the disability meets the criteria. The DDS must also determine if your medical condition is expected to last at least a year and/or for the duration of your life.

Please note that the SSA definition of disability sets a high bar and is often difficult to prove. Many applications for Social Security benefits in Illinois are denied during their first submission and must file an appeal.

Once a person is approved for Social Security benefits in Illinois, their local Social Security office will determine the monthly disability benefit amount and will advise the recipient when to expect the first monthly benefit check.

SSDI services are administered through 56 local offices located throughout the state of Illinois. To find your nearest Social Security office, you may call 800-772-1213. A service representative will be able to tell you your nearest SSA office based on your city, state, and zip code.

How To Apply for SSDI in Illinois

The easiest way to apply for SSDI benefits is online at ssa.gov/benefits/disability.

You also may apply at your local SSA office, though some offices require you to make an appointment in advance. The third option for submitting your disability application is over the phone by calling 800-772-1213.

It’s important to provide thorough and complete information. You will be asked to provide information about your education, medical condition, medical treatments for that condition, and your comprehensive work history for up to 15 years.

Many initial claims are denied because the application response is incomplete or does not provide sufficient medical records, appropriate documentation, and thorough information.

Once your application is submitted, it generally takes around 90 days to receive a determination notice.

How To Appeal a Denial in Illinois

In Illinois, nearly 60% of all initial SSDI claims are denied. But after your initial application remains two additional stages of review – reconsideration and disability hearing with an administrative law judge.

If your initial disability claim is denied, don’t lose hope. You can request that it be reviewed by an SSA representative who was not involved in your first review. At this point, it may be helpful to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable disability attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your chances of being approved, and chart your path through the appeal process.

More Illinois Benefits

In addition to the SSDI program, the state of Illinois offers the following programs to eligible Illinois residents.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide monthly financial benefits to low-income residents who are age 65 or older, are blind, or disabled.

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. If you have documentation to show that your expenses exceed the total amount of your SSI benefits, the Illinois Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program may help supplement your federal SSI check. If you have questions about whether you qualify for either of these programs, a disability attorney may be able to help you.

Illinois Medicaid

You also may be eligible for the Illinois Medicaid program if you meet income and asset requirements. Also, if you are blind or disabled, you may qualify for Medicaid if your income is at or below the federal poverty level.

To be eligible for Medicaid in Illinois, you must be a resident of the state of Illinois, a U.S. citizen, or legally authorized to live and work in the United States. Your financial situation should be considered as low income or very low income, as determined by its relationship to the federal poverty level.

Eligible candidates must also be one of the following:

• Pregnant
• Responsible for a child 18 years old or younger
• Blind
• Disabled or have a family member in the household with a documented disability
• 65 years old or older

Illinois Unemployment

Unemployment insurance in Illinois is a state-operated program designed to partially compensate Illinois residents for loss of wages when they lose employment through no fault of their own.

Illinois unemployment benefits help ensure that those who meet eligibility requirements will receive some level of income while looking for work. This, in turn, helps provide economic stability to individual families, local communities, and the state of Illinois at large.

Illinois Social Security Offices

Illinois Hearing and Appeal Offices

Illinois is in Region 5 (Chicago), which services Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.