Asthma Benefits in Wisconsin

To get federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI for asthma, your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[9]. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. If asthma began before age 22, you might qualify for SSDI as an adult disabled child[10]. SSI has strict income and asset limits and is based on financial need[9]. Medicaid also covers people with disabilities, including chronic illnesses like asthma, if they meet income and disability criteria[7].

Wisconsin adds extra support through its network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), where Disability Benefit Specialists help adults ages 18–59 with chronic illnesses, including asthma, to apply for and keep state and federal benefits[1][4][6]. While asthma alone may not always meet federal disability standards, it can qualify if it causes severe limitations. Wisconsin Medicaid offers special programs for people with disabilities, such as Medicaid Purchase Plan for those who work, and waivers like Family Care and IRIS for those who need long-term care at home[8]. The Wisconsin Retirement System provides disability retirement benefits for public employees who become too disabled to work, regardless of the cause[3]. Always check with your county ADRC or Disability Benefit Specialist—they’re experts in Wisconsin’s unique rules and paperwork[1][4].

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to connect with a free Disability Benefit Specialist—they help people with asthma and other chronic conditions understand, apply for, and manage state and federal benefits[1][4][6]. For SSI or SSDI, start your application at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. For Wisconsin Medicaid, apply online or get help through your ADRC or DHS website[6][7]. Keep track of your medical records and work history—you’ll need them.

1. Gather Documents: Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, work history, tax returns, and proof of identity—these are needed for any disability application[7][9].
2. Schedule a Consultation: Call or visit your county ADRC to meet with a Disability Benefit Specialist—they’re trained to help with paperwork and appeals for asthma and similar conditions[1][4].
3. Apply Online or In-Person: For SSI/SSDI, apply at ssa.gov or your local Social Security office. For Wisconsin Medicaid, use the state Access website or your ADRC[6][7].
4. Follow Up: Respond quickly to any requests for more information. Disability Benefit Specialists can help with appeals if your application is denied[4].
5. Annual Requirements: If approved for certain benefits, you may need to submit yearly forms or reports—ask your ADRC for guidance[3].
6. Ask About Work Incentives: If you want to work, ask about SSI and SSDI work incentives and Ticket to Work—these can help you keep benefits while earning income[6].

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal disability programs. SSDI is for people who’ve worked and paid into Social Security; SSI is based on financial need[9]. Both require that your asthma (or other condition) severely limits your ability to work. Medicare covers people who’ve received SSDI for 24 months, and Medicaid covers low-income people with disabilities, often with more flexible rules in Wisconsin[6][7]. The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities explore employment without losing benefits right away[6].

Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are your first stop for help with asthma and disability benefits. They offer free Disability Benefit Specialists who guide you through Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, FoodShare, ABLE accounts, and more[1][4][6].

Wisconsin Medicaid has special programs for people with disabilities, including the Medicaid Purchase Plan for workers, and waivers like Family Care and IRIS for home- and community-based services—ask your ADRC if these fit your situation[8].

The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) offers disability retirement benefits for state and local employees who can’t work due to disability, including asthma, with a lifetime annuity if approved[3].

Disability Rights Wisconsin provides advocacy, especially if you face barriers or denials—they can help you appeal or understand your rights[1][5].

ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid—Wisconsin residents can open one following the national guidelines[6].

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including asthma, to pay for housing, transportation, assistive technology, and health care. Wisconsin does not have a state-run ABLE program, but residents can open a national ABLE account without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits[6]. See our ABLE Accounts guide for more.

Wisconsin generally follows federal SSI income and asset limits for Medicaid eligibility. For SSI, the 2025 earned income limit is $2,297/month for an individual (actual amount may vary by case). Wisconsin Medicaid Purchase Plan has higher income limits for working people with disabilities[6]. Always report any income changes to avoid overpayments.

If you get SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition—failure to do so can lead to overpayments and legal trouble. Your local ADRC or Social Security office can help you report changes and deal with overpayments. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for best practices.

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• Does asthma qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Asthma may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid in Wisconsin if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities—if in doubt, contact your local ADRC for a free consultation[1][4][6].

• What if I work part-time? Can I still get benefits?

  You may still qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid or SSI if your earnings are below program limits. The Medicaid Purchase Plan and SSI work incentives help you keep benefits while working—your ADRC can explain these rules[6][8].

• What is an ABLE account?

  An ABLE account is a savings account for disability expenses that doesn’t count against SSI or Medicaid limits. Wisconsin residents can open a national ABLE account—see our **ABLE Accounts** guide for details[6].

• How do I find my Wisconsin Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)?

  Every Wisconsin county has an ADRC. Visit the DHS website or call Disability Rights Wisconsin for help finding your local ADRC and a free Disability Benefit Specialist[1][6].

• What is the Ticket to Work program?

  It’s a free, voluntary federal program for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries who want to return to work without immediately losing all benefits—your ADRC or Social Security office can refer you[6].

• Can I get both Medicare and Medicaid in Wisconsin?

  Yes, if you qualify for both Medicare (from SSDI) and Medicaid (low-income), you can use both programs together for broader coverage—your ADRC can help you apply[1][6][7].