Benefit Specialist
A Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) can provide information about services for people age 18-59 with a physical, mental, intellectual or developmental disability. The DBS assists with the application process for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare and Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Assistance, FoodShare, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid and other insurance related issues. The DBS can provide representation in formal appeals related to denials of eligibility, termination of benefits or overpayment of public and private benefits. The Disability Benefit Specialist can also complete a benefit review to ensure that you are receiving the best coverage available.
Information below can be used to answer some of your questions when preparing for the disability application process including what to expect, what information will be needed, what happens if you are approved for disability.
Social Security- A Few Things You Should Know.pdfWhat you need to know about your SSI.pdfChecklist for Online Adult Disability.pdfAdult Disability Interview Checklist and Worksheet.pdfReviewing Your Disability.pdfSSA Working When Disabled.pdfA person or their legal decision maker can choose to apply for disability benefits directly through the Social Security Administration (SSA) below are a list of ways to apply:
By phone at 1-800-772-1213
or stop in at your local office
Tribal members can choose to work with the ADRC Disability Benefit Specialist or Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC)-The Tribal Disability Benefit Specialist Program (DBS) provides assistance and advocacy for tribal members, 18 – 59 years of age, with disabilities. A Tribal Disability Benefit Specialist can help determine which benefits tribal members are entitled to, identify a process to apply for benefits, assist in the application process, and assist in an appeal process if necessary. Specialists are trained to help tribal members with Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medical Assistance – Health Insurance, Food Share, Utility Assistance and Veteran Benefits.
To learn more about benefits and services, please contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Wolf River Region at 1-855-492-2372 or visit our website adrcwolfriver.org.