Wyoming Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options

Disabled Wyoming residents may be able to obtain disability benefits through two primary sources: the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) programs and, when applicable, worker’s compensation insurance programs. In order to qualify for these benefits, they must have a disability that prevents them from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and earning a sufficient income for them and their families. They must also have a long-term disability of at least one year, and they must have sufficient credits in the Social Security Trust Fund to qualify for benefits. If they were injured on the job, and their employer carried worker’s compensation insurance, they may also be eligible for those benefits. In order to learn if they can obtain those benefits concurrently and how to do so, they may need to consult a disability attorney.

Social Security Disability Benefits Programs Defined

The SSA administers two programs that provide disability benefits for Wyoming residents:

• SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance – eligibility depends on the claimant’s inability to engage in sufficient SGA to provide for their family, disability lasting one (1) year or more, and Social Security Trust Fund credits accrued from wage deductions for generally five out of the last ten years

• SSI, or Supplemental Security Income – eligibility depends on SSA disability qualifications, as well as income and assets that are at or below poverty level, requiring assistance in several areas, including food stamps, housing aid, medical care (Medicaid), and more.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits in the State of Wyoming                                                        

There are a number of SSA field offices in Wyoming at which a claimant can obtain application forms. They can apply for either SSA program and be considered for both. Once they have completed the application form, it can be submitted to the SSA through their website (www.ssa.org), through their toll-free phone line (800-772-1213), or at one of the SSA field offices in Wyoming. After an application is processed, it is examined by the SSA and its Disability Determination Service (DDS) for eligibility in several areas:

• Eligible income – of less than the current SGA, set at $1,000/month in 2010

• Eligible disability – as assessed through their application and medical records

• Eligible impairment – included on the SSA’s exhaustive list of impairments or comparable to any of those on the list

• Eligible employment – incapable of performing the tasks necessary in their former occupation

• Eligible alternative employment – incapable of performing the tasks necessary for any other occupation for which they are qualified by their education and skills

Disability Benefits Available Exclusively through the State of Wyoming

Wyoming does not provide additional disability payments for their citizens, but there are SSA field offices to help those applying for federal benefits. Claimants may also find assistance and advocacy through private agencies, such as:

Wyoming P&A System

320 West 26th Street, 2nd Floor

Cheyenne, WY 82001

307-638-7668

800-821-3091 Voice/TDD (Toll Free)

Employer Based Disability Benefits Programs

While the state of Wyoming only requires employers that are involved in extra hazardous activities to carry worker’s compensation insurance, such insurance is optional for all other employers. If someone is injured on the job and their employer carries worker’s comp, the claimant should be able to receive benefits under that coverage. They may also be able to obtain those benefits concurrently with SSA payments, but that may require additional assistance from a disability attorney.

Getting Legal Help with Wyoming Disability Benefits

Anyone applying for disability benefits in Wyoming must understand the benefits for which they are eligible and how to apply. These can be complicated processes, and they are often denied on a first attempt. A disability attorney can help them understand those processes and provide thorough documentation of their disability. If they still have difficulty obtaining the benefits they deserve, there are several levels of appeals, all the way to federal courts, that they can pursue. It is essential when reaching these final stages to be represented by an attorney in order to obtain the appropriate disability benefits.