Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in Wisconsin

• ADHD is considered a disability under Social Security rules if it causes severe limitations in work, school, or daily living.
• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSDI pays benefits if ADHD prevents you from working.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. ADHD must cause major functional limitations.
• Both programs require medical proof, such as doctor’s notes, school records, and psychological evaluations.
• Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits daily activities and family income is low.
• Adults with ADHD may qualify for SSDI if they worked and paid Social Security taxes, and their ADHD prevents them from doing substantial work.
• Social Security reviews how ADHD affects your ability to work, learn, and manage daily tasks.
• You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability, which means ADHD must be expected to last at least 12 months and severely limit your ability to work or function.
• For more details, see Social Security’s eligibility page and their guide for children with disabilities.

Citations: [10], [9]

• In Wisconsin, people with ADHD ages 18-59 can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits.
• Wisconsin’s Medicaid programs may cover people with ADHD if they meet income and disability requirements. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, therapy, and medications.
• Wisconsin also offers Medicaid Waivers for people with disabilities, which may include support for therapy, job training, and independent living.
• The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) may provide disability benefits if you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer.
• Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services runs programs to help people with disabilities access benefits and services.
• Disability Rights Wisconsin provides training and support for Disability Benefit Specialists and can help with appeals or complex cases.
• Wisconsin’s benefits programs are subject to federal and state rules, including income limits and annual reporting.
• For more details, see Wisconsin’s Medicaid disability page and the Disability Benefits Specialist program.

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with benefits.
• Gather medical records, school records, and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.
• Ask about Medicaid Waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.
• Report changes in income or health to keep benefits.

Citations: [7], [1], [4]

• Step 1: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They can help you understand your options and fill out applications.
• Step 2: Gather all required documents, including medical records, school records, proof of income, and proof of disability.
• Step 3: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
• Step 5: Ask about Medicaid Waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support with work, education, or independent living.
• Step 6: If you work for a Wisconsin employer, ask about Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) disability benefits.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, health, or living situation to keep your benefits.
• Step 8: If your application is denied, you can appeal with help from Disability Benefit Specialists or Disability Rights Wisconsin.
• Step 9: Keep all records and follow up on your applications.
• Step 10: Attend any required interviews or medical exams.

Citations: [7], [1], [4], [3]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults with ADHD who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays benefits to people with ADHD and low income, regardless of work history.
• Medicaid: Pays for medical care, therapy, and medications for people with ADHD and low income.
• Medicare: May be available for people with long-term disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide extra support for therapy, job training, and independent living.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.

Citations: [10], [9], [8]

• Wisconsin Disability Benefit Specialists: Help people with ADHD apply for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits.
• Wisconsin Medicaid: Covers medical care, therapy, and medications for people with ADHD and low income.
• Wisconsin Medicaid Waivers: Provide extra support for therapy, job training, and independent living.
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): Provides disability benefits for people who become disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer.
• Disability Rights Wisconsin: Provides training and support for Disability Benefit Specialists and can help with appeals or complex cases.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Offer information, referrals, and help with applications for benefits and services.
• Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program: Helps people save for retirement, including those with disabilities.

Citations: [1], [4], [7], [8], [3]

• ABLE accounts let people with ADHD save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use ABLE funds for education, housing, transportation, employment training, and other approved expenses.
• Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program.
• For more details, see the ABLE account guide.

Citations: [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts]

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual.
• SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work.
• Medicaid has income and resource limits based on household size and state rules.
• Wisconsin’s earnings limit for disability retirement is $20,757 in 2025.
• For more details, see the SSI income estimator and Wisconsin’s disability benefits page.

Citations: [3], [internal_link_SSI_Income_Estimator]

• You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your situation changes.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back or set up a payment plan.
• For more details, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

Citations: [internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes]

• Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
  Phone: 1-877-847-7597

  Website

  Find your local ADRC for help with disability benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicare.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
  Phone: 1-800-362-3002

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities. You need medical proof and must meet Social Security’s definition of disability.

• How do I apply for disability benefits with ADHD in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person. Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.

• What benefits are available for children with ADHD in Wisconsin?

  Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits daily activities and family income is low. Medicaid may also cover therapy and medications.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits for ADHD in Wisconsin?

  Yes, work incentives let you keep some benefits while working. There are income limits and rules for reporting earnings. Ask about work incentives when you apply.

• What is a Medicaid Waiver for ADHD in Wisconsin?

  A Medicaid Waiver provides extra support for therapy, job training, and independent living for people with ADHD. You must meet income and disability requirements.

• How do I get help with my disability application in Wisconsin?

  Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers can help you apply for benefits. Disability Rights Wisconsin can help with appeals or complex cases.