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Wisconsin • Neurological/Developmental
People in Wisconsin with Autism Spectrum Disorder can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers. Disability Benefit Specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide free help with applications and appeals.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Autism Spectrum Disorder, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. For adults, this means the condition must be severe enough to prevent substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For children, the condition must cause marked and severe functional limitations. SSDI requires work credits; SSI is based on financial need. Both programs have strict medical and functional criteria. You can learn more about federal eligibility at the Social Security Administration website.
In Wisconsin, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder can apply for Medicaid and Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services. Eligibility for these programs is based on both disability and financial need. The state also offers the Medicaid Purchase Plan for those who do not qualify for regular Medicaid but need help with medical costs. Disability Benefit Specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) help people ages 18-59 with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, understand and apply for benefits. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for SSI and Medicaid based on family income and functional limitations.
Step 1: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They offer free Disability Benefit Specialists who can help you understand your options and fill out applications.
Step 2: Gather documents. You will need medical records, proof of income, and proof of disability. For children, you will also need school records and reports from therapists or doctors.
Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI. You can apply online at the Social Security website or in person at your local Social Security office. A Disability Benefit Specialist can help you with the application.
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid. You can apply online through Wisconsin's ACCESS system or with help from your ADRC. Medicaid waivers may be available for home and community-based services.
Step 5: Ask about Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. Medicaid waivers can provide extra services like therapy and respite care. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for adults who have a disability and enough work credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
Medicaid Waivers: Extra services for people with disabilities who want to live in the community.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
SSA: How to Qualify for Disability (2025-11-06)
SSA: Benefits for Children with Disabilities (2025-11-06)
Wisconsin offers several programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. Wisconsin also offers the Medicaid Purchase Plan for those who do not qualify for regular Medicaid but need help with medical costs.
Medicaid Waivers: These provide home and community-based services, such as therapy, respite care, and supported employment. The waivers are for people who would otherwise need to live in an institution.
Disability Benefit Specialists: Free help from trained specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). They can help you apply for benefits, appeal denials, and understand how work affects your benefits.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Wisconsin residents can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Wisconsin Medicaid Programs for People with Disabilities (2025-11-06)
Disability Rights Wisconsin: Disability Benefits Specialist Program (2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with Autism Spectrum Disorder save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Wisconsin residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. The account can be used for things like therapy, education, housing, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the money in the account does not count as a resource for SSI or Medicaid.
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For Medicaid, the income limit varies by program and household size. The earnings limit for WRS disability benefits in 2025 is $20,757. If you earn more than this, your disability benefit may be suspended.
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you do not report changes, you may have to pay back benefits. Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help you understand reporting rules and avoid overpayments.
Disability Benefit Specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) offer free help with applications, appeals, and understanding benefits for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Wisconsin.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and earned enough credits. Both programs require a severe disability. SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on work history.
Yes, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can get SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and their family meets income and asset limits. The child must be under 18 and not working.
Medicaid waivers provide extra services like therapy, respite care, and supported employment for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder who want to live in the community. These services are not covered by regular Medicaid.
You can apply for Medicaid online through Wisconsin's ACCESS system or with help from your local Aging and Disability Resource Center. You will need to provide proof of disability and income.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Wisconsin residents can use it to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Not reporting changes can result in having to pay back benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Step 6: Report changes in income or health to keep benefits active. You must report changes to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Yes, you can work, but there are limits. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit, your disability benefit may be suspended. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while working.
Disability Benefit Specialists at local ADRCs can help you appeal denials of SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other benefits. They can provide support and representation in formal appeals.
Yes, Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and support from Disability Benefit Specialists for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These programs help with health care, employment, and independent living.
You can find your local ADRC by visiting the ADRC of Southwest Wisconsin website or contacting Disability Rights Wisconsin. ADRCs offer free help with benefits applications and appeals.
