Nearly 26% of Wyoming residents have a disability, slightly higher than the 25% national average. The most common disabilities affecting the population are mobility issues, cognitive challenges, hearing difficulties, and independent living.
Studies show that Wyoming residents with disabilities are also twice likely to smoke, have diabetes, or have heart disease. They are also twice likely to be obese.
Luckily, Wyoming affords Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to those who cannot work because of a disabling condition. The state spends up to $1.4 billion in SSDI payouts annually, accounting for 31% of the healthcare costs.
This post will discuss everything you need to know about Social Security local to Wyoming.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Wyoming
SSDI is a federal government program, so the qualification requirements are the same across the U.S. You must have worked for a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes to be eligible.
Generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to have worked for five out of the last ten years before you became disabled. But you can get a waiver if you are younger and have a disability that hinders you from working.
In addition, you must have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or lead to death. The SSA has a comprehensive list of conditions it considers for benefits.
Note that the SSA definition of disability is stringent, and you should not expect to receive benefits for a partial disability. If your condition does not appear on the list, you will unlikely be approved for benefits.
If you think you might qualify for SSDI, the best thing to do is to file for disability right away. The process takes some time, so getting started early is crucial.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Wyoming?
You can apply for disability benefits in Wyoming online, by phone, or in person.
There are sixteen (16) Social Security field offices in Wyoming. You can visit the nearest one to apply for SSDI in person. Make an appointment before you visit so that you are served promptly.
If your condition cannot allow you to drive or move around, you can apply for SSDI over the phone by calling (800) 772-1213. You can also apply online by visiting ssa.gov.
Before you apply, gather all your documentation and evidence to prove eligibility for benefits.
The SSA will require you to produce your Wyoming Social Security number, medical records, the contact information of your physician, and work history. Having all these ready will help to have your claim processed faster.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Wyoming?
When you apply for benefits, your application will go directly to the SSA. The SSA will forward your application to the Wyoming Disability Determination Services (DDS) to make a medical decision on your records.
The DDS will authorize a trained claims examiner to review your case to ensure you meet the requirements. The examiner will first check your medical records; if insufficient, you will undergo a consultative examination.
The disability examiner will also ask medical consultant or supervisor for their opinions. These professionals will review your medical records and work history to tell if you can handle any work with your condition.
The disability claims examiner will make the final decision based on the gathered information. If found medically disabled, you will be approved for benefits. But you may have to wait up to five months before the SSA releases the payments.
Your application will be denied if you are not found to be disabled. But you will have a chance to appeal if you disagree with the decision.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in Wyoming
The Wyoming Social Security Administration approves 52% of SSDI claims at the initial application level, which is significantly higher than the national average of 35%. The rest whose claims are denied have a right to file an appeal.
If your application was denied and you disagree with the decision, you can file a reconsideration. This allows you to get a new claims examiner to review your case and check whether an error was made during the initial determination.
The request for reconsideration must be filed within 60 days The claimant.
You can request a hearing before an administrative law judge if your reconsideration is still denied. You must provide additional documentation and witness statements at the hearing to support your claim. Having a lawyer at this stage is very important.
If the ALJ denies your case, your next step is to ask the Appeals Council to review your case. The council may return your case to the ALJ for a second hearing or deny your request. If this results in denial, too, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court.
In many cases, hiring a Social Security disability lawyer before filing your initial application can increase your chances of being approved for benefits. If your case goes into disability adjudication, a lawyer can represent you at the hearing.
Wyoming SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Of the cases that go to the appeals, 20% are approved at the reconsideration. Compare this to the 13% national average; you will realize that your odds of being approved for benefits are higher in Wyoming than in most other states.
Regarding approvals at the hearing level, the SSA does not publish this statistic for Wyoming. This is because Wyoming SSD claims are heard by judges from the Billings hearing office and the Salt Lake City hearing office.
While determining the exact approval rate for Wyoming applicants is complex, the statistics for the Billings and Salt Lake City hearing offices can give you a clue about the wait times and approval rates in Wyoming.
On average, it takes 15 months to have a disability hearing in these two offices, slightly below the national average of 18 months. The average approval rate at the hearing level is 49%, which is also higher than the 45% national average.
These wait times and average approval rates highlight the importance of having a legal representative. An experienced lawyer can get you an on-the-record decision without waiting 15 months for a hearing.
How Do I Contact the Wyoming Social Security Office Near Me?
Wyoming has three Social Security Field offices that address all SSDI concerns. If you have any questions regarding disability or want to apply for benefits, contact your nearest Wyoming Social Security office for help. Here is the list of these offices and their contact information.
SSA Field Office |
Physical Address |
Phone Number |
| Cheyenne SSA Office | 3001 E Pershing Blvd Suite 140Cheyenne, WY 82001 |
(866) 336-7580 |
| Casper SSA Office | 150 E B St Room 1008 Casper, WY 82601 |
(866) 964-3972 |
| Sheridan SSA Office | 2268 N Main St Sheridan, WY 82801 |
(866) 530-7798 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in Wyoming
The SSDI application process can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with a disabling condition.
An experienced Wyoming Social Security disability lawyer can help you complete an error-free application and increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
An experienced local lawyer will also handle the correspondence with the DDS and ALJ on your behalf. This way, they will present a stronger case that will likely be approved.
Contact a Wyoming Social Security disability lawyer today to handle your case. We offer a free initial consultation, and you will not have to pay until we win your case.
