Wisconsin • Physical/Mobility

Amputation Benefits in Wisconsin: Your 2025 Guide

If you have had an amputation in Wisconsin, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Medicare, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

Amputation may qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents you from working.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers and support through Aging and Disability Resource Centers.
Disability Benefit Specialists can help with applications and appeals.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Annual reporting and income limits apply to most benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a disability that prevents you from doing substantial work. Most amputations meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability if they prevent you from working for at least 12 months or are expected to result in death [9].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, including those who have never worked. Amputation may qualify if it meets SSA’s disability criteria and your income and assets are below the limit [10].
Both SSDI and SSI require medical evidence, such as doctor’s reports and test results, to prove your disability [9][10].

In Wisconsin, adults ages 18–59 with a disability, including amputation, can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help with Medicaid, Medicare, FoodShare, and other benefits [1][4][6].
Wisconsin Medicaid covers people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. There are also Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help with home care, assistive devices, and transportation [8][6].
If you are working, Wisconsin’s Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) program may help pay your Medicare Part A premiums [8].
Wisconsin’s Disability Benefit Specialists can help you apply for and keep your benefits, and may represent you in appeals if your benefits are denied or stopped [1][4].

How to apply in Wisconsin

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with benefits applications and questions [1][4][6].
Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office [7][9].
Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid and FoodShare through Access Wisconsin [7].
Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses [6].

Step 1: Gather medical records, work history, and financial information. You will need proof of your amputation and how it affects your ability to work [9][10].
Step 2: Contact your local ADRC. Disability Benefit Specialists can help you understand your options and fill out applications for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs [1][4][6].
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid and FoodShare through Access Wisconsin [7][9].
Step 4: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Disability Benefit Specialists may help you with the appeal process [1][4].
Step 5: Once approved, report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits [6].
Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses [6].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are unable to work due to disability [9].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who have a disability [10].
Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months [9].
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits [10].
Ticket to Work: Free program to help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job [6].

Wisconsin Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. Includes waivers for home and community-based services [8][6].
Disability Benefit Specialists: Free help from ADRCs with applications, appeals, and understanding benefits for people ages 18–59 with disabilities [1][4][6].
Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) Program: Helps pay Medicare Part A premiums for people with disabilities who are working [8].
FoodShare: Wisconsin’s food assistance program for people with low income, including those with disabilities [4][6].
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits [6].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits [6].
Funds can be used for housing, transportation, personal assistance, assistive technology, and health care not covered by insurance [6].
Wisconsin residents can open an ABLE account through the ABLE National Resource Center [6].

For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work (substantial gainful activity). In 2025, the earnings limit is $20,757 per year [3].
For SSI, the income and asset limits are set by Social Security. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but Wisconsin may add a small state supplement [10].
For Wisconsin Medicaid, income and asset limits vary by program. Contact your local ADRC or Access Wisconsin for details [8][6].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Wisconsin benefits programs to avoid overpayments [6].
If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [6].
Disability Benefit Specialists can help you understand and avoid overpayments [1][4].

Tips & Gotchas

Get Free Help

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center for free help with benefits applications and questions.
Disability Benefit Specialists can help you understand your options and fill out applications for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

Contacts

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
Phone: 1-877-847-7599
Website
Find your local ADRC for free help with disability benefits.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
Apply for SSDI or SSI and get help with benefits.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Phone: 1-800-362-3002
Website
Apply for Medicaid and FoodShare.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits after an amputation in Wisconsin?
Yes, if your amputation prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Wisconsin also offers Medicaid and other support programs for people with disabilities [9][10][8].
How do I apply for disability benefits after an amputation?
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center for help. You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. Apply for Medicaid and FoodShare through Access Wisconsin [7][9].
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, including those who have never worked. Both programs may pay benefits for amputation if you meet the disability criteria [9][10].
Can I work while getting disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Yes, but there are limits. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit ($20,757 in 2025), your SSDI or SSI benefits may be reduced or stopped. Wisconsin also offers work incentives and support programs [3][6].
What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits [6].
How do I avoid overpayments of disability benefits?
Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Wisconsin benefits programs. Disability Benefit Specialists can help you understand and avoid overpayments [6][1][4].

Official resources

Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)(federal)
Wisconsin Medicaid Programs for People With Disabilities(state_agency)
Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid and FoodShare(state_agency)
Wisconsin Disability Benefits (ETF)(state_agency)
Benefits.gov (Federal Benefits Finder)(federal)
Access Wisconsin (State Assistance Programs)(state_agency)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice about your specific situation.

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