Elder and Disability Benefit Specialist

• Information about and assistance to apply for Social Security or Medicare-related benefit programs, which may include Appealing Denials or Terminations.

• Information and Assistance regarding consumer problems, such as Social Security over-payments, insurance coverage denials, and medical bills, etc.

• Referrals to other services and programs.
• Public education programs, including group presentations, informal group discussions, newsletter and newspaper articles, printed brochures, and fact sheets, etc.

What are Disability Benefit Specialists?  

Disability benefit specialists operate as an integral part of each Aging and Disability Resource Center. They provide confidential assistance at no charge to adults ages 18 to 59 with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Individuals age 60 and older can contact the Elder Benefit Specialist Program.

The goals of the program are:

• To provide current, accurate information about public benefit programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
• To counsel individuals about eligibility for various programs and benefits.
• To help people apply for public benefits such as Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid or appeal a denial of benefits. 

Statistics about the Disability Benefit Specialist Program are available for 2011 through 2016.

Where can I find a disability benefit specialist?

Find a disability benefit specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center serving your county.

Individuals who use sign language as their primary method of communication may receive disability benefit specialist services through the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Services are available statewide.

Enrolled tribal members who live on or near a reservation in Wisconsin may receive disability benefit specialist services through the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council.