Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in Wisconsin

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Cystic fibrosis is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under respiratory disorders (Section 3.04) and can qualify if it meets the criteria for severity.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability.
• Children with cystic fibrosis may also qualify for SSI if family income is low.

Citations: [9]

• In Wisconsin, people with cystic fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements. Medicaid can cover medical care, medications, and home health services.
• Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, such as the Family Care and IRIS programs, which help people stay in their homes and get needed supports.
• Disability Benefits Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can help people ages 18–59 with disabilities understand and apply for benefits.
• Wisconsin’s Deferred Compensation Program and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) may provide disability benefits if you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer.

Citations: [1], [3], [7], [8]

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with applications.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for Social Security benefits online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for extra savings.

Citations: [7], [9]

• Step 1: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with benefits applications. They can guide you through the process and help you gather documents.
• Step 2: Gather medical records that show your cystic fibrosis diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Step 3: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. You can apply online or with help from your ADRC.
• Step 5: If you work for a Wisconsin employer, check if you qualify for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) disability benefits.
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits.
• Step 7: Complete all required forms each year to keep your benefits.

Citations: [1], [3], [7], [9]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments if you have a qualifying work history and are disabled.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income requirements.
• Medicare: Available after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Citations: [9]

• Wisconsin Medicaid: Covers medical care, medications, and home health services for people with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like Family Care and IRIS help people with disabilities stay in their homes and get needed supports.
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Provides income if you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer.
• Disability Benefits Specialists: Available through ADRCs to help people with disabilities understand and access benefits.
• ABLE Accounts: Wisconsin residents can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses.

Citations: [1], [3], [5], [7], [8]

• ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can use the funds for housing, transportation, personal assistance, assistive technology, and health care not covered by insurance.
• ABLE savings generally do not affect eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs.
• Wisconsin residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.

Citations: [5]

• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is $20,757 per year.
• For SSI, income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual.
• Wisconsin Medicaid has income and resource limits that vary by program.

Citations: [3], [5]

• You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes or if your situation changes.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may need to repay it or set up a payment plan.
• Always report changes promptly to keep your benefits.

Citations: [3]

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

  Website

  Find your local ADRC for help with benefits applications.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSDI and SSI benefits.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
  Phone: 1-800-362-3002

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can cystic fibrosis qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Yes, cystic fibrosis can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if it meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for severity. You must provide medical evidence of your condition.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. You can also apply for Social Security benefits online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office. Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  For SSDI, you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is $20,757 per year. For SSI, income and resource limits apply. Wisconsin Medicaid has its own income and resource limits.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $20,757 per year. Working may affect your benefits, so report changes to avoid overpayments.

• 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 use the funds for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs.

• What Medicaid programs are available for people with cystic fibrosis in Wisconsin?