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Wisconsin • Neurological/Developmental
People with Cerebral Palsy in Wisconsin can get help from Social Security, Medicaid, and state programs. These benefits cover income, health care, and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions, including Cerebral Palsy, to decide if you qualify. If your Cerebral Palsy meets the criteria, you may get monthly payments and access to Medicare after 24 months.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people with disabilities who have low income and few resources. Children with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. Adults with Cerebral Palsy can also get SSI if they meet the rules. SSI gives monthly cash and access to Medicaid.
The SSA may make immediate SSI payments for children with Cerebral Palsy if their condition is severe, such as total blindness, total deafness, or severe intellectual disability. This can happen while the state agency reviews the full application.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for health care for people with disabilities. In Wisconsin, Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, therapy, and more for people with Cerebral Palsy.
Medicare is health insurance for people with disabilities who get SSDI. After 24 months of SSDI, you get Medicare even if you are under 65.
The SSA uses a list of medical conditions, including Cerebral Palsy, to decide if you qualify for disability benefits. If your Cerebral Palsy meets the criteria, you may get monthly payments and access to Medicare after 24 months.
The SSA may make immediate SSI payments for children with Cerebral Palsy if their condition is severe, such as total blindness, total deafness, or severe intellectual disability. This can happen while the state agency reviews the full application.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for health care for people with disabilities. In Wisconsin, Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, therapy, and more for people with Cerebral Palsy.
Medicare is health insurance for people with disabilities who get SSDI. After 24 months of SSDI, you get Medicare even if you are under 65.
In Wisconsin, people with Cerebral Palsy can get help from the Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) program. DBSs work at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and help people ages 18-59 with disabilities understand and apply for benefits. They can help with Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs.
If you have Cerebral Palsy and need help, start by contacting your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They can connect you to a Disability Benefit Specialist who will help you apply for benefits.
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment.
For Medicaid, you can apply online at access.wisconsin.gov or call your local ADRC for help.
For Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) disability benefits, contact ETF at 1-877-227-7268 or visit etf.wi.gov.
For help with appeals or complex cases, contact Disability Rights Wisconsin at 1-877-781-1989.
Step 1: Gather Documents
Step 2: Contact Your Local ADRC
Step 3: Apply for Social Security Benefits
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have worked in covered jobs. After 24 months, you get Medicare.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for people with disabilities who have low income and few resources. SSI gives access to Medicaid.
Medicaid: Health care for people with disabilities. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, therapy, and more.
Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who get SSDI. After 24 months of SSDI, you get Medicare even if you are under 65.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
SSI/SSDI Work Incentives: Programs that let you keep benefits while working, such as the Ticket to Work program and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).
Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) Program: DBSs at ADRCs help people with disabilities understand and apply for benefits. They can help with Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs.
Wisconsin Medicaid Programs: Family Care Partnership, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan, and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI). These programs cover health care, therapy, personal care, and more for people with Cerebral Palsy.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Short-term, long-term, or lifetime payments for people who become disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer.
Board for People With Developmental Disabilities (BPDD): Advocates for people with developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy. BPDD helps with policy, training, and support.
Disability Rights Wisconsin: Provides technical assistance, support, and training for Disability Benefit Specialists. They also help with appeals and representation in administrative hearings.
For SSI, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month for a couple in 2025. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
For Medicaid, the income limit varies by program. For example, the Family Care Partnership has an income limit of 300% of the federal poverty level. The IRIS program has an income limit of 400% of the federal poverty level.
For WRS disability benefits, there is an earnings limit. If you earn more than $20,757 in 2025, your disability benefit will be suspended.
If you get too much money from SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you may have to pay it back. This is called an overpayment. To avoid overpayments, report any changes in your income, employment, or medical condition to the SSA and Medicaid.
You must report changes in your situation to keep your benefits active. This includes changes in income, employment, living situation, and medical condition.
If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a payment plan. Contact the SSA or Medicaid for help with overpayments.
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with applications. ADRCs have Disability Benefit Specialists who can guide you through the process.
People with Cerebral Palsy in Wisconsin can get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Medicare. SSDI is for those who have worked, SSI is for those with low income, Medicaid covers health care, and Medicare is for those on SSDI after 24 months.
Start by contacting your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They can connect you to a Disability Benefit Specialist who will help you apply for Social Security, Medicaid, and other programs. You can also apply online at ssa.gov or access.wisconsin.gov.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid programs like Family Care Partnership, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan, and QDWI. The Disability Benefit Specialist program at ADRCs helps with applications. The Wisconsin Retirement System offers disability benefits for those who become disabled while working.
Yes, children with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. The SSA may make immediate SSI payments if the child's condition is severe, such as total blindness, total deafness, or severe intellectual disability.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year in an ABLE account. The money can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Wisconsin Medicaid offers special programs for people with disabilities, such as Family Care Partnership, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan, and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI). These programs cover health care, therapy, personal care, and more for people with Cerebral Palsy.
Children with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. Adults with Cerebral Palsy can also get SSI if they meet the rules. SSI gives monthly cash and access to Medicaid.
The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) offers disability benefits for people who become disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer. These benefits can include short-term, long-term, or lifetime payments if you are disabled before normal retirement age.
Wisconsin has a Board for People With Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) that advocates for people with developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy. BPDD helps with policy, training, and support.
The Disability Rights Wisconsin group provides technical assistance, support, and training for Disability Benefit Specialists. They also help with appeals and representation in administrative hearings.
Wisconsin has a network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) that offer information, referrals, and help with applications for people with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy.
Step 5: Apply for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits
Step 6: Follow Up and Appeal if Needed
Step 7: Stay Informed and Report Changes
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Offer information, referrals, and help with applications for people with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy.
Work incentives let you keep benefits while working. Programs like Ticket to Work and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) help you work without losing SSI or SSDI. You must report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact Disability Rights Wisconsin for help with appeals and representation in administrative hearings. Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
Report any changes in your income, employment, or medical condition to the SSA and Medicaid. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail.
The income limit for SSI in Wisconsin is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month for a couple in 2025. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
You can find your local ADRC by visiting adrcwi.gov. ADRCs offer information, referrals, and help with applications for people with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy.
