Depression Benefits in Wisconsin: How to Apply & Get Help

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for depression, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions, including mental disorders, to decide if your depression meets their criteria. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, and work history requirements for SSDI. Depression is listed under Section 12.04 of the SSA's Blue Book for mental disorders[8].

• You must be unable to do any kind of work because of your depression.
• Your depression must be documented by a doctor and meet SSA's criteria.
• For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits.
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits earned through jobs covered by Social Security[8].

In Wisconsin, adults ages 18-59 with depression can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS) at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help with Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and other benefits. Depression is considered a mental illness, and services are available for people with mental health conditions, including depression[4].

• You must have a diagnosis of depression from a qualified professional.
• Your depression must be severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities.
• You may need to provide medical records and other documentation.
• Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers and other programs for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions[7].

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin's online portal or with help from an ADRC.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers and other state programs[5].

• Step 1: Contact your local ADRC. They can help you understand your options and fill out applications[1].
• Step 2: Get a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor. You'll need these for your application.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You'll need to provide personal and medical information[5].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid. You can apply online through Wisconsin's Access Wisconsin portal or with help from an ADRC[5].
• Step 5: Ask about Medicaid waivers and other state programs. ADRCs can help you find and apply for these programs[7].
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments[9].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits if you have a work history and are unable to work due to depression[8].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays benefits if you have limited income and resources and are unable to work due to depression[8].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of receiving SSDI.
• Medicaid: Available if you meet income and disability requirements[8].

• Medicaid: Wisconsin offers Medicaid for people with disabilities, including depression. Programs include Family Care Partnership, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan, and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual[7].
• Medicaid Waivers: These programs provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions[7].
• Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS): DBSs at ADRCs help people with depression apply for and manage benefits[1].
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: If you work for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer, you may be eligible for disability benefits if you become disabled while working[3].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts through the state's ABLE program[6].

• SSI: Income and resource limits change each year. For 2025, the limit is $20,757 for WRS disability benefits. Other programs have different limits[3].
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program. You can check your eligibility through Wisconsin's Access Wisconsin portal[5].

You must report changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. ADRCs can help you understand reporting requirements[9].

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

  Website

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

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with Social Security benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for depression in Wisconsin?

  Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets SSA's criteria. You can apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid through your local ADRC or online[8].

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI for depression in Wisconsin?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You'll need medical records and proof of income. ADRCs can help you with the process[5].

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

  For WRS disability benefits, the 2025 limit is $20,757. SSI and Medicaid have different limits. Check with your local ADRC or the SSA for current limits[3].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for depression?

  Yes, but there are limits. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit, your benefits may be suspended. ADRCs can help you understand work incentives[3].

• What is a Medicaid waiver in Wisconsin?

  A Medicaid waiver lets people with disabilities get home and community-based services instead of living in an institution. Wisconsin offers waivers for people with mental health conditions, including depression[7].

• How do I find a Disability Benefit Specialist in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They can connect you with a Disability Benefit Specialist who can help you apply for benefits[1].