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Wisconsin • Sensory
People who are blind in Wisconsin can access federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and special programs. These benefits help cover medical care, income, and daily living needs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits if you are blind in Wisconsin, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Blindness is considered a severe disability, so eligibility is often easier to prove. You must be unable to do any substantial work due to blindness. The SSA defines legal blindness as vision that cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits [8].
In Wisconsin, people who are blind can get extra help through state programs. Medicaid offers special coverage for people who are blind, including the Medicaid Purchase Plan and Family Care Partnership. You may also qualify for FoodShare, housing help, and utility assistance. Wisconsin’s Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS) at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can help you apply for these programs. Services are for people ages 18–59 with disabilities, including blindness. DBS staff can help with applications, appeals, and understanding how work affects your benefits [1][4][5][7].
ABLE accounts let people with blindness save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the account for expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program. You can open an account online or with help from your ADRC [internal_links].
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $2,590 per month for people who are blind. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits [3][8].
If your income or situation changes, you must report it to keep your benefits. This includes changes in work, living situation, or health. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see how changes affect your benefits [internal_links].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Disability Benefit Specialists can help you apply for benefits, understand your rights, and appeal denials.
If you are blind in Wisconsin, you can get SSDI if you worked and paid Social Security taxes. You can get SSI if you have low income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments. You may also qualify for Medicare or Medicaid [8][9].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person. Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. Your ADRC can help with all applications [1][4][5].
The SSI income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSI. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit of $2,590 per month for people who are blind [3][8].
Yes, you can work and still get blindness benefits. SSDI has a higher earnings limit for people who are blind. SSI has work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments [internal_links].
An ABLE account lets people with blindness save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the account for expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program [internal_links].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid programs for people who are blind, including the Medicaid Purchase Plan and Family Care Partnership. These programs cover medical care, prescriptions, and more. You can apply through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services [7].
Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can help you apply for benefits. They can help with Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and other programs. Contact your local ADRC for help [1][4].
If your benefits are denied, you can appeal the decision. Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help you with the appeals process. You may need to provide more medical records or attend a hearing [1][4].
Yes, children who are blind can get SSI benefits. The state agency may make immediate payments for some conditions, including blindness. You can apply for SSI for your child through the Social Security Administration [6].
If your income changes, you must report it to keep your benefits. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see how changes affect your benefits [internal_links].
