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Wisconsin • Neurological/Developmental
People with Down Syndrome in Wisconsin can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work supports. Eligibility depends on age, income, and disability status. Disability Benefit Specialists at local ADRCs can help with applications and appeals.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and be aged, blind, or disabled. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have enough work credits. Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits. Adults with Down Syndrome who became disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI as a “child’s benefit” based on a parent’s work record. Both programs require medical proof of disability and ongoing eligibility reviews. [^1][^2][^3]
In Wisconsin, people with Down Syndrome can access Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and state disability programs. Medicaid eligibility for people with disabilities is based on income, resources, and disability status. Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers like Family Care and IRIS for home and community-based services. Adults with Down Syndrome ages 18–59 can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help with Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and other benefits. Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI and Medicaid based on family income. Wisconsin also offers ABLE accounts for saving for disability-related expenses. [^4][^5][^6]
Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let families save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open an ABLE account online or through a financial institution. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. [^5]
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes. If you get an overpayment notice, you can appeal or ask for a waiver. Always keep records of all changes and decisions. [^10]
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with benefits, Medicaid waivers, and appeals. ADRCs have trained Disability Benefit Specialists who can guide you through the process.
People with Down Syndrome in Wisconsin can get SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI is for those with limited income. SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Medicaid covers health care. Medicare covers health care for those with long-term disabilities.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income. Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help with the process.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid, Medicaid waivers like Family Care and IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan. These programs cover health care and long-term supports. Eligibility is based on income, resources, and disability status.
Yes, adults with Down Syndrome ages 18–59 can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs. These specialists help with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and appeals. They can also help with Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.
An ABLE account lets families save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open an ABLE account online or through a financial institution. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Report changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes. If you get an overpayment notice, you can appeal or ask for a waiver. Always keep records of all changes and decisions.
Wisconsin offers work incentives like the Ticket to Work program and Medicaid buy-in for working people with disabilities. These programs help people with Down Syndrome work without losing benefits. Ask your Disability Benefit Specialist about work incentives.
Yes, children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI and Medicaid based on family income. Adults with Down Syndrome who became disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI as a “child’s benefit” based on a parent’s work record.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history. Both programs require medical proof of disability. SSI is based on need, while SSDI is based on work credits. [^1]
You can find your local ADRC on the official ADRC website. ADRCs offer help with benefits, Medicaid waivers, and other services for people with disabilities. Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help with applications and appeals.
