A stroke will likely change nearly every aspect of your life, and many of those close to you as well. You may need help learning how to do everyday things again, and you may be told that some things are just not possible. Unfortunately, stroke education is not something that many medical teams provide. Early on after a stroke, many treat the patient as delicate, and it’s true you were probably in a weakened state. That delicate treatment, though, can lead to many people believing that certain things are out of reach or outright impossible. There are many resources for stroke survivors available for you, right here in Wisconsin.
Social Security Disability
If you’re out of work for more than a year and have worked over the last 18 months, then you should qualify for disability. Although there are many other aspects to consider, those are the two major obstacles in a disability application.
SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance is something you pay into through your employer, and it’s not optional. That means you’ve likely been paying into it for your entire working life. If you’re unable to work for the foreseeable future, then you should use this resource. Not only can it help maintain your family’s finances until things stabilize again, but it can help you worry less about returning to work.
Applying for disability is not as easy as it might seem. You need to provide your medical records, information from your attending doctors, and any other information that explains why you won’t be able to return to work. Because stroke survivors can range so much in their abilities, it’s possible for your disability application to become very difficult.
Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin
A little known resource, the Brain Injury Alliance has offices in nearly every state. They strive to educate individuals and families on the effects of brain injury. Although they don’t exclusively work with stroke victims, they do specialize in Acquired Brain Injury, which is the umbrella for stroke survivors.
The Brain Injury Alliance hosts classes, support groups, and events. Support groups can have an outstanding effect on survivors and their families. There are many aspects of stroke recovery that your medical team simply can’t talk about because of moral or legal barriers, whereas other survivors and family members can speak about day to day obstacles candidly.
Meet others near you that are recovering from Acquired Brain Injury as well and learn more about your recovery opportunities. It’s possible that you have a lot to learn from others who are in different stages of recovery and their family members.
Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
This program operates on a federal and state level. They help people with disabilities find employment or learn new skills to overcome employment barriers. Stroke survivors do not always have to give up work. In fact, this may be an opportunity to explore a new career if you are unable to continue your previous work.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation works to connect employers with possible employees. They look at skillsets, host job centers, and can arrange for services that help people get to work. For example, if you need rehabilitation to reach a certain degree of recovery, then they can help find you the resources necessary to bridge that recovery gap.
They provide help to any disabled individual, which includes stroke survivors. It’s best to make contact early into your recovery so they can see your intended recovery path. They can help you make plans for returning to the workforce on a time schedule that aligns with your medical team’s plans for your recovery.
Contact Tabak Law, LLC About Resources For Stroke Survivors
To start your first step towards financial recovery, contact Tabak Law. At Tabak Law, our disability attorneys in Wisconsin help those with new disabilities get the benefits from SSDI that they need. SSDI lawyers are familiar with the application and appeals process meaning that you’ll spend less time trying to figure out what you need to do.
Instead, an attorney will walk you through the process, requirements, and explain each step. They’ll work to ensure that your application is complete and correct the first time you submit it. Then they’ll represent you in your appeals if it’s necessary. These attorneys have years of experience handling the Wisconsin Department of Health Services systems. They know and understand what the department expects and how to best prepare you for any obstacles you may face, and can help you find resources for stroke survivors.
Contact Tabak Law now to learn more about your disability application.