Bipolar Disorder Benefits in Wisconsin

To qualify for federal disability benefits with Bipolar Disorder, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and must meet the criteria in the Social Security Blue Book (Listing 12.04 for Bipolar Disorder). You must also have worked enough to earn Social Security credits for SSDI, or have low income and resources for SSI. Both programs require medical proof and regular updates on your condition [9].

• SSDI: You must have a work history and enough Social Security credits.
• SSI: You must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Both require ongoing medical documentation and reporting of changes [9].

In Wisconsin, people with Bipolar Disorder can get help from several state programs. The main programs are Medicaid, Family Care, IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan. To qualify, you must be between 18 and 59, have a qualifying disability, and meet income and resource limits. Some programs also require a functional need for support. Wisconsin uses the federal definition of disability for most programs, but some state programs may have additional criteria. You can get help from Disability Benefits Specialists at your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to determine your eligibility [1, 4, 8].

• Medicaid: Income and resource limits apply; some waivers require a functional need.
• Family Care/IRIS: For adults 18-59 who need long-term care support.
• Medicaid Purchase Plan: For people with disabilities who want to buy Medicaid coverage.
• Disability Benefits Specialists: Help with eligibility and applications [1, 4, 8].

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid and other state programs through your county ADRC or online.
• Ask for help from a Disability Benefits Specialist if you need support [1, 4, 7].

• Step 1: Contact your local ADRC. They can help you understand your options and start the application process. Find your ADRC at the official ADRC website [1, 4].
• Step 2: Gather medical records. You will need documentation from your doctor that shows your Bipolar Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work and live independently.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Be ready to provide medical and work history [9, 7].
• Step 4: Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid and other state programs. You can apply online, by phone, or in person through your county ADRC. Some programs may require a separate application.
• Step 5: Work with a Disability Benefits Specialist. They can help you fill out forms, understand eligibility, and appeal if needed [1, 4].
• Step 6: Submit all required forms and documents. Keep copies for your records.
• Step 7: Attend any required interviews or medical exams.
• Step 8: Wait for a decision. You will be notified by mail. If denied, you can appeal with help from your ADRC or Disability Benefits Specialist [1, 4, 7].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments if you have a work history and meet the disability criteria.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities.
• FoodShare (SNAP): Food assistance for people with low income.
• Housing and utility assistance: Help with rent and utilities for people with disabilities [9, 10].

• Wisconsin Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including Family Care, IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan. These programs help with long-term care and support services [8].
• Family Care/IRIS: For adults 18-59 who need long-term care support. These programs help you stay in your home and get the services you need [5].
• Disability Benefits Specialists: Trained staff at ADRCs who help people with disabilities understand and apply for benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and more [1, 4].
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Income if you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer. This includes short-term, long-term, and lifetime annuity options [3].
• State Group Health Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage for state employees who become disabled [6].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save money without losing benefits [internal_links].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Wisconsin, you can open an ABLE account through the state's program. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and the account grows tax-free. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Wisconsin [internal_links].

• SSI: In 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Wisconsin may have additional state supplements.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program. For example, Family Care and IRIS have different limits based on your needs and living situation.
• WRS Disability Benefits: If you work while receiving disability benefits, your earnings are limited. In 2025, the limit is $20,757. If you earn more, your benefits may be suspended [3].

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. This is called an overpayment. To avoid overpayments, report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Wisconsin agencies right away. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a payment plan. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_links].

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

  Website

  Find your local ADRC for help with benefits and services.
• Disability Rights Wisconsin
  Phone: 1-877-734-5463

  TTY: 1-800-969-6697

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  Legal advocacy and support for people with disabilities.

• Can I get disability benefits for Bipolar Disorder in Wisconsin?

  Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and you meet the criteria for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet Wisconsin's eligibility rules for state programs.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local ADRC for help. Gather medical records and apply for SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. Disability Benefits Specialists can help you with the process.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and earned enough Social Security credits. Both provide monthly payments for people with disabilities.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits?

  Yes, but there are limits. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while you try to work.

• 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 money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

• How do I avoid overpayments?

  Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Wisconsin agencies right away. This helps prevent overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate.