There are many opportunities available for vocational rehab within Wisconsin, many rights in Milwaukee. That means that you should expect to travel far for the opportunity to reenter the workforce with new and impressive skills. The State of Wisconsin, as well as many private establishments, offer free resources or resources covered under certain programs that you can apply for through their respective offices.
If you’re looking for vocational rehabilitation options near you, you won’t have to look far. However, it may require a bit of effort or work to get the applications in and begin the rehab process. An SSDI attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin may be able to help point you in the right direction.
What is Vocational Rehab?
Vocational Rehabilitation often shortened to “vocational rehab” or “VOC rehab” is a center for people with disabilities where they can learn new job skills or adapt skills they already possess. A vocational rehabilitation center is often available for those with new disabilities or disabilities that may make it impossible for them to return to their line of work.
A common example is that of a construction worker who suffered a stroke and cannot handle their tools with the precision necessary. Through a vocational rehabilitation center that workers may be able to learn more administrative skills that would give them a unique edge on management, planning, or administrative positions within the construction industry as they have advanced knowledge of the work and additional skills to use.
Vocational rehabilitation is the opportunity that many people need to learn how to move forward and have productive lives while still managing their disabilities. Every vocational rehabilitation situation starts with an evaluation.
Your medical team may be involved in this evaluation as they may have set a cap on your expected recovery. The expected recovery may not include full use of limbs, recovery of senses, or the ability to manage certain mental tasks. Those expectations can guide a vocational rehabilitation center on how to approach your future job opportunities.
Vocational rehabilitation may also play a role in ending dependence on an SSDI or SSI. Although these resources are available to the people that need them, many adults would rather reenter the workforce in a new capacity. Vocational rehab is the first step on that path, and that means that it’s vital for you to find a center that works with your medical needs and disabilities. Always look for the opportunity to expand on your skillset.
The Department of Workforce Development
The state of Wisconsin has its Department of Workforce Development, which helps people enter or reenter the workforce with skills and abilities that would make them a valuable employee. Specifically, a job seeker with disabilities can access vocational rehabilitation programs, undergo eligibility assessments, find offices and locations, and more.
This same office is responsible for helping employers find resources on how to accommodate their staff that have disabilities. Always a valuable resource, the Department of Workforce Development’s DVR office is the right place to start when it comes to qualifying and seeking aid for vocational rehabilitation.
Does Social Security Play a Role in Vocational Rehab?
Yes, social security or SSI does play a major role in accessing vocational rehabilitation. Not all vocational rehabilitation centers are state-run, meaning that they may be private and exceptionally expensive. However, the Social Security Office has a vocational rehabilitation reimbursement program that allows a person receiving SSDI or SSI benefits to be reimbursed for vocational rehab programs that resulted in at least nine months of continuous work.
Usually, these programs are accessed by people with sensory-based disabilities such as blindness or deafness. That doesn’t mean that people with any variety of disabilities can’t apply, just that those are the most common conditions.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Reimbursement Program does have strict limits each year. Keep in mind that this is a one-time benefit, so every year, it should be different recipients. For example, in 2019, there were only 14,573 claims allowed under this program.
Contact Tabak Law for Help from an SSDI Attorney
Tabak Law serves the Milwaukee area providing legal aid and support to anyone who needs guidance on the SSI or SSDI process. From application to appealing an SSD denial, and even special cases we’re happy to help. Contact us now to set up a consultation where we can learn more about each other. We’ll help you understand what your chances are with a straightforward application, and if you’ll need additional medical proof of your disabilities.
Contacting us is the first step towards making the process easier. When you work with an SSDI attorney at Tabak Law, you’ll have an experienced attorney by your side.