Benefit specialists help answer questions and solve problems related to Social Security, Medicare, health insurance and other public and private benefits for adults.

Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) serve people ages 18 – 59. Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) serve people ages 60 and over.  Services are free of charge and confidential.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind, use American Sign Language and need help with your benefits, you may choose to contact the Deaf Disability Benefit Specialist at the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

What Benefit Specialists Can Do:

• Provide accurate and current information on your benefits.
• Suggest alternative actions that you can take to secure benefits or appeal denials of benefits.
• Advocate on your behalf with other parties.
• Explain what legal action or other possible solution is required.
• Refer you to an appropriate attorney when necessary.

For more information, contact a benefit specialist to schedule an appointment in advance at 715-284-4301.

Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) serve people ages 18 – 59 who have a disability.  These services are free of charge and confidential.

How Can a Disability Benefit Specialist Help You?

  • Provide accurate information on public and private benefits and programs
  • Help determine which benefits and programs you may be entitled to
  • Help you fill out applications for benefits, programs and services
  • Talk with you about your choices and the programs or services that might best meet your needs
  • Provide assistance in obtaining or retaining benefits and services
  • Provide referrals, assistance and support on other matters, including disability rights and the impact of earning on financial eligibility for public benefits
  • In some cases, you may receive representation in formal appeals related to denials of eligibility, termination of benefits or overpayment of public and private benefits

What Programs Can a Disability Benefit Specialist Help with?

Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) are trained professionals who assist older persons, aged 60+, with their private and government benefits.  There is no charge for these services.  Direct links to services are available by ‘clicking’ on the areas that are highlighted in the information listed below.

What Elder Benefit Specialists Can Do?

  • Provide accurate and current information on your benefits
  • Suggest alternative actions to secure benefits or appeal denials of benefits
  • Advocate on your behalf with other parties
  • Explain what legal action or other possible solution is required
  • Refer you to an appropriate attorney when necessary

What Programs Can an Elder Benefit Specialist Help with?

Social Security Act

The Social Security Act, signed into law in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was enacted by the 74th United States Congress.  The primary goal of the act is to provide support and assistance to those who need it the most.  These programs include, but are not limited to: unemployment, elderly benefits, children’s benefits and benefits for people with any kind of disability.

There are three major components of the Social Security System:  Retirement, Survivors, and Disability.  The Social Security Program is also known as OASDI, for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.

For more detailed information on Social Security, please refer to their website.

CREATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT – https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

UNDER 60 AND APPLYING FOR DISABILITY – https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/radr/10/ovw001-checklist.pdf

OVER 60 AND APPLYNG FOR DISABILITY – https://www.adrcjacksoncounty.org/benefits/social-security-administration/over-60-and-applying-for-disability/ssdi_checklist_adult/

RETIREMENT – https://www.ssa.gov/retirement

What is MAPP?

Am I Eligible for MAPP?

How Do I Enroll in MAPP? 

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