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Wisconsin • Neurodegenerative
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Wisconsin can access federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and specialized programs. Wisconsin offers support through Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts to help manage costs and maintain independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with ALS, you must have a diagnosis confirmed by a licensed physician. ALS is considered a Compassionate Allowances condition by the Social Security Administration, meaning applications are processed quickly. For SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have enough work credits. For SSI, you must meet strict income and asset limits. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, assets, and disability status, and is available to those who qualify for SSI or meet other state criteria.
In Wisconsin, adults ages 18-59 with ALS can access Disability Benefit Specialists through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help with applications for Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and other benefits. Wisconsin Medicaid offers programs like Family Care Partnership and IRIS for home and community-based services. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Wisconsin also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, which allow tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for most means-tested programs.
Step 1: Gather medical records and a diagnosis letter from your doctor confirming ALS.
Step 2: Contact your local ADRC for personalized help with benefits applications and eligibility questions.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov or by calling Social Security. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be processed quickly.
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through Access Wisconsin or with ADRC help. You may qualify for Medicaid waivers like Family Care Partnership or IRIS for home and community-based services.
Step 5: If eligible, open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting your benefits.
Step 6: Complete all required annual forms and report any changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments or benefit suspensions.
Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal with help from your ADRC or Disability Rights Wisconsin.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have a work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and assets.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities after a 24-month waiting period from SSDI approval.
Compassionate Allowances: ALS is on the Compassionate Allowances list, so applications are processed quickly.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Provide benefit specialists who help with applications, appeals, and benefit management for people with disabilities ages 18-59.
Family Care Partnership: Medicaid waiver for home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): Medicaid waiver for self-directed home and community-based services.
Medicaid Purchase Plan: Medicaid buy-in program for people with disabilities who work.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Wisconsin: Provides advocacy, training, and legal support for people with disabilities.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs. In Wisconsin, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for housing, transportation, personal assistance, assistive technology, and health care not covered by insurance. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and earnings grow tax-free.
Federal SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the individual asset limit is $2,000 and the couple limit is $3,000. Wisconsin Medicaid has higher income limits, especially for waiver programs. If you work while receiving disability benefits, there are earnings limits that can affect your benefits. For example, in 2025, the earnings limit for WRS disability benefits is $20,757. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit suspensions or repayment demands. Wisconsin requires annual reporting for disability benefits, and failure to report can lead to overpayments. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact your ADRC or Disability Rights Wisconsin for help with appeals or repayment plans.
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with applications, appeals, and benefit management.
Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so Social Security processes applications quickly. You can apply online or with help from an ADRC.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers like Family Care Partnership and IRIS for home and community-based services. You may also qualify for regular Medicaid or the Medicaid Purchase Plan.
Contact your local ADRC for help, apply for SSDI/SSI online, and apply for Medicaid through Access Wisconsin. Keep all medical records ready.
Yes, but there are earnings limits. If you earn more than the limit, your benefits may be suspended. Always report changes in income.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows you to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for most means-tested programs.
No, but Disability Rights Wisconsin and ADRCs offer free help with applications and appeals. Legal help is available if your application is denied.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Wisconsin. For specific advice, contact a qualified professional or your local ADRC.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as they happen. Wisconsin requires annual reporting for disability benefits.
You can appeal the decision. ADRCs and Disability Rights Wisconsin can help with the appeals process and provide representation if needed.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and support from ADRCs and Disability Rights Wisconsin. There are no ALS-specific programs, but these resources can help manage costs and maintain independence.
Yes, Disability Benefit Specialists can help with applications for housing and utility assistance programs, including FoodShare and low-income tax credits.
