Benefit Specialists
Helpful Guidance on Social Security Benefits, Medicare and More
Benefit Specialists are professionals who provide broad access to benefits, entitlements, and legal rights for older adults and people who have disabilities.
Benefit Specialists help "navigate the system" with their knowledge of the services available and advocacy skills to help the individuals they service.
Elder Benefit Specialists provide counseling, advocacy and technical assistance to individuals ages 60 and older on the following issues:
- Social Security benefits
- Medicare benefits
- Medicare supplemental insurance
- Medical assistance
- Consumer problems
- Age discrimination in employment
- Homestead tax credit
- Housing problems
- Supportive home services
- Food stamps
- General relief
- Other legal and benefit problems
They also assist people with understanding the various programs available, related paperwork needed, and connecting with resources to provide additional assistance.
Elder Benefit Specialists remain current on changes in public policy and elder law issues through support from the Wisconsin Elder Law Center.
Disability Benefit Specialists assist individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who have physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues. They provide counseling, advocacy, and technical assistance regarding:
- Social Security benefits
- Medicare benefits
- Issues affecting an individual's access to basic income, health care, and/or housing
- Social Security benefits
- Private insurance questions
- Medical Assistance applications
- Housing and utility issues
- Veteran benefits
- FoodShare
- Prescription drug programs
- Other health-care benefit needs and issues
Disability Benefit Specialists remain current on changes in public policy and laws related to disability benefits through Disability Rights Wisconsin.