Wisconsin • Chronic Illness

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in Wisconsin

If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Wisconsin, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work-related disability programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

COPD is a chronic illness that may qualify for federal disability benefits.
Wisconsin offers SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state retirement disability benefits.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide local help.
Annual reporting and income limits apply to most benefits.
Work incentives and ABLE accounts can help maintain benefits while working.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe COPD that stops you from doing any substantial work and have enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years)[^1].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your COPD must meet Social Security’s definition of disability[^2].
Both SSDI and SSI require that your COPD is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[^3].
The Social Security Administration uses a medical guide (Blue Book) to decide if COPD is severe enough. COPD is listed under respiratory disorders (Section 3.02)[^4].

In Wisconsin, people with COPD may also qualify for Medicaid if their income and assets are low, or if they are receiving SSI or SSDI[^5].
Wisconsin’s Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) helps people with disabilities who have higher income or assets buy Medicaid coverage[^6].
If you work for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer, you may qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits if COPD stops you from working[^7].
Disability Benefits Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can help people ages 18–59 with disabilities understand and apply for benefits[^8].
Wisconsin’s Family Care and IRIS programs offer home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including COPD, who meet age and functional criteria[^9].

How to apply in Wisconsin

Call your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with benefits.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.
If you work for the state, ask your employer about Wisconsin Retirement System disability benefits.

Step 1: Gather medical records that show your COPD diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work.
Step 2: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with benefits applications and questions[^8].
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone (800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office[^10].
Step 4: If you need Medicaid, apply through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services website or with help from your ADRC[^5].
Step 5: If you work for a Wisconsin state employer, ask your HR department about Wisconsin Retirement System disability benefits and how to apply[^7].
Step 6: Complete all required forms and submit them on time. Missing deadlines can delay or stop your benefits.
Step 7: Keep records of all applications, letters, and medical reports. Report any changes in your income, work, or health to avoid overpayments[^11].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with COPD who have enough work credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with COPD who have low income and resources.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with COPD who meet income and disability rules.
Medicare: Health coverage for people with COPD who get SSDI for 24 months or are over 65.
Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage for people with COPD on Medicare[^12].

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Short-term or long-term disability payments for state employees with COPD who can’t work[^7].
Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP): Lets people with COPD who have higher income or assets buy Medicaid coverage[^6].
Family Care and IRIS Programs: Home and community-based services for people with COPD who meet age and functional criteria[^9].
Disability Benefits Specialists: Free help from ADRCs for people ages 18–59 with disabilities, including COPD, to understand and apply for benefits[^8].
State Group Health Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage for state employees with COPD[^13].
Income Continuation Insurance (ICI): Replaces up to 75% of salary if unable to work for at least 30 days due to COPD[^13].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts let people with COPD save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, health, and more. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program[^14].

For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the “substantial gainful activity” limit ($20,757 in 2025) if you work while getting benefits[^7].
For SSI, the income limit is much lower and changes each year. You must report all income and resources to avoid overpayments[^15].
For Medicaid, income and asset limits depend on your age, family size, and program. Ask your ADRC for current limits[^5].

You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties[^11].
If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Ask about repayment plans or waivers if you can’t pay right away[^11].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with disability benefits applications and questions.

Contacts

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
Phone: 877-847-7590
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Website
Find your local ADRC for in-person help.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 800-772-1213
TTY: 800-325-0778
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm
Website
Apply for SSDI/SSI or get help with benefits.

FAQs

What is COPD and how does it affect eligibility for disability benefits?
COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. If COPD stops you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin.
How do I know if my COPD is severe enough for disability?
The Social Security Administration uses a medical guide to decide if COPD is severe enough. Your doctor’s records must show your diagnosis, treatment, and how COPD limits your daily life and work.
Can I get disability benefits if I am still working with COPD?
You may qualify for disability benefits if your COPD limits your work. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit ($20,757 in 2025), your SSDI benefits may be suspended.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for COPD in Wisconsin?
SSDI is for people with COPD who have enough work credits. SSI is for people with COPD who have low income and resources. Both require that your COPD meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
How do I apply for Medicaid with COPD in Wisconsin?
You can apply for Medicaid online through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services or with help from your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). You may qualify if you have low income or are getting SSI or SSDI.
What is the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) and who can use it?
MAPP lets people with COPD who have higher income or assets buy Medicaid coverage. It is for people who need Medicaid but don’t qualify due to income or assets.

Official resources

Apply for SSDI/SSI(federal)
Wisconsin Retirement System Disability Benefits(state_agency)
Family Care and IRIS Programs(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.

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