Social security attorneys in Glendale, Wisconsin
- Nilufa Yeasmin
- Aug 30
- 7 min read
Social Security attorneys help people apply for and win Social Security benefits. These benefits are financial support programs from the government meant for people who can’t work due to a disability, age, or other health conditions. The process of getting these benefits is often confusing and full of rules, so having a lawyer can make a big difference.
In Glendale, Wisconsin, Social Security attorneys understand both federal and local laws.
They guide people through paperwork, explain complicated steps, and help deal with rejections. Whether it’s applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or appealing a denied claim, lawyers who work in this field help people fight for the money they need to live.
Types of Social Security Benefits
There are two main types of Social Security benefits that attorneys usually help with. Each one has its own set of rules.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for people who have worked in the past and paid into Social Security through taxes. If you get hurt or become seriously ill and can’t work anymore, SSDI provides monthly
payments. But to qualify, you need to show proof that your condition is expected to last at least a year or result in death, and that you’ve worked enough over the years.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is different. It’s for people who haven’t worked enough or haven’t paid enough into Social Security. It helps those with very limited income and resources, including children and elderly people. SSI is often used by people who’ve never been able to work due to a disability.
A Social Security attorney in Glendale can help figure out which program you might qualify for and walk you through the steps to apply.
Who Needs a Social Security Attorney?
While it's not required to have a lawyer to apply for benefits, many people do need one—especially when their claim is denied or delayed. If any of these apply to you, an attorney can probably help:
You’ve already applied and got denied
You don’t know what kind of benefits you qualify for
You’re struggling to understand the paperwork
Your medical condition is complex
You want someone to represent you at a hearing
In Glendale, experienced Social Security attorneys know what judges look for, what mistakes can delay a case, and how to gather the right evidence.
Why Claims Often Get Denied
Most first-time applications for disability benefits get denied. That’s a harsh reality. The reasons can be small, like missing paperwork, or big, like not showing enough proof of a disability. Here are some common reasons:
Incomplete application or missing medical records
Not enough work history for SSDI
Too much income or resources for SSI
The disability isn’t considered “severe” enough
The condition is expected to improve quickly
This is why many people in Glendale choose to work with Social Security attorneys. Lawyers can avoid these errors and improve the chances of getting approved, either on the first try or through an appeal.
Understanding the Application Process
The process of applying for Social Security benefits includes many steps. It’s not quick, and it can take months or even years to get approved.
Step 1: Application
The first step is filling out a detailed application, which includes personal information, medical history, work history, and more. If anything is missing, the claim can be delayed or denied.
Step 2: Review by the SSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews the application and sends it to a state agency to decide if the applicant is “disabled” under SSA rules.
Step 3: Decision
Most people get a letter in the mail saying they’ve been denied. If this happens, you have the right to appeal.
Step 4: Appeals
There are four levels of appeal:
Reconsideration – The SSA takes another look at your case.
Hearing – A judge listens to your case and makes a decision.
Appeals Council Review – If the judge denies it, this higher group can check the judge’s decision.
Federal Court – As a last resort, the case can go to federal court.
A Social Security attorney helps you through every one of these steps.
What Happens at a Disability Hearing?
If your case goes to a hearing, don’t panic. It’s not like a crime trial. Instead, it’s a private meeting with a judge who works for the Social Security Administration. The judge asks questions about your health, your job history, and how your condition affects your daily life. Sometimes doctors or job experts are present to give opinions.
Your lawyer prepares you ahead of time, helps you understand the questions, and speaks on your behalf. The goal is to show the judge that your medical condition truly prevents you from working.
How Social Security Lawyers in Glendale Help
Attorneys in Glendale who focus on Social Security disability law do more than fill out forms. They know what kinds of evidence are strong, how to organize medical records, and how to deal with the SSA’s deadlines and rules. Here’s how they support clients:
Explaining the law in simple terms
Filing paperwork on time
Talking to doctors to get supporting medical records
Writing legal arguments for your case
Representing you at hearings
Filing appeals if your claim is denied
They also keep you updated throughout the process and help reduce the stress of fighting for
your benefits alone.
Local Knowledge Matters
Glendale is part of Milwaukee County, which has its own Social Security hearing offices and judges. Local attorneys know how these offices operate and may have experience working with the same judges multiple times. That familiarity can give your case an edge.
Also, local attorneys understand the healthcare providers and clinics in the Glendale area. They know how to request records, talk to local doctors, and gather supporting documents faster.
How Do Social Security Lawyers Get Paid?
Most Social Security attorneys work on a “contingency fee” basis. That means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. If you do win, the SSA takes the lawyer’s fee directly from your back pay (the money owed to you from the time you applied to the time you were approved).
The fee is usually limited to 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum set by law. That way, you never pay upfront, and the lawyer only gets paid if you do.
What Makes a Good Disability Attorney?
Not all lawyers are the same. When looking for a Social Security attorney in Glendale, it’s smart to look for someone who:
Has experience with disability cases
Is easy to talk to and explains things clearly
Returns phone calls and keeps you updated
Has good reviews or testimonials from past clients
Is familiar with judges and offices in the Milwaukee area
Alpha Book Publisher, a known directory for professionals, often features attorneys with solid backgrounds and strong reputations. Using trusted listings like these can help you find someone reliable.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Social Security Benefits
Some people try to apply on their own and run into trouble. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
Not getting enough medical treatment – If there’s no record of treatment, the SSA may think your condition isn’t serious.
Ignoring deadlines – Missing a deadline for appeal can end your case.
Not updating the SSA – You must let the SSA know if your address, phone number, or medical condition changes.
Trying to work too much – Even small jobs can hurt your case if it looks like you can still earn a living.
A lawyer helps avoid these mistakes and keeps your case on track.
What Conditions Qualify for Disability?
The SSA has a long list of medical conditions that may qualify someone for benefits. These include:
Chronic pain
Heart disease
Cancer
Back injuries
Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
Autoimmune diseases
Seizures or epilepsy
Diabetes complications
Stroke
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis on the list to qualify. What matters most is whether your condition keeps you from working full-time.
Local Clinics and Medical Support in Glendale
Good medical records are key to winning a disability case. Glendale has many healthcare providers who help people manage long-term conditions. Some of the local clinics and resources include:
Aurora Health Center – Glendale
Ascension Wisconsin
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Community health clinics for low-income patients
Your attorney can help you get the correct medical records from these places or guide you on where to go for evaluations.
Social Security Resources in Glendale
Besides hiring a lawyer, there are other resources in Glendale that can help:
Social Security Administration – Milwaukee Office – Handles local claims
Legal Action of Wisconsin – Offers legal help to low-income residents
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Connects people with benefits and health care
Job Centers – Help with career options for people with partial disability
Your attorney may work with these groups to get the documents or referrals needed for your case.
Benefits of Having an Attorney from the Start
While many people call a lawyer after getting denied, hiring one early can actually save time and frustration. Here’s why:
Stronger applications – Lawyers know what evidence is needed and how to present it.
Fewer delays – Attorneys keep things organized so your application moves faster.
Better preparation for hearings – If you need a hearing, your lawyer already knows your case well.
Less stress – You don’t have to deal with the SSA’s confusing language or rules on your own.
FAQs About Social Security Lawyers in Glendale
Q: Can I apply for SSDI and SSI at the same time?A: Yes, some people qualify for both. A lawyer can help figure that out.
Q: What if my condition improves?A: You’re required to let the SSA know. Depending on your case, they may reduce or stop your benefits.
Q: How long does it take to get benefits?A: It depends. Some people are approved in a few months; others wait over a year, especially if there’s a hearing.
Q: Can I work while applying for benefits?A: Yes, but there are limits. Earning too much money can hurt your case.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting Social Security benefits isn’t easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Social Security attorneys in Glendale, Wisconsin, help people navigate the system and get the support they need. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, an experienced attorney can guide you through every step.
They know the rules, the paperwork, and what it takes to win. If you’re struggling with a health condition and can’t work, don’t wait. Reaching out to a local lawyer could be the first step to getting the help—and the peace of mind—you deserve.
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