Wisconsin • Chronic Illness

Fibromyalgia Benefits in Wisconsin: How to Apply & Get Help

People in Wisconsin with fibromyalgia may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

Fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI/SSDI if it severely limits work.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts.
Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs help with applications.
Annual reporting and income limits apply to most benefits.
Work incentives help people with fibromyalgia keep 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 medical condition that prevents you from working and have enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [^1].
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 [^1].
Fibromyalgia is recognized as a disabling condition if it meets Social Security’s criteria for severity and duration [^1].
Both programs require medical proof, such as doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment records [^1].
You must be unable to do any substantial work for at least 12 months [^1].

In Wisconsin, adults ages 18–59 with fibromyalgia can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) [^2].
These specialists help with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, FoodShare, and other benefits [^2].
Wisconsin Medicaid offers programs like Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and Medicaid Purchase Plan for people with disabilities [^3].
To qualify for state benefits, you must meet income and asset limits, and your disability must be documented by a doctor [^3].
Some programs may have waiting lists or require a functional assessment [^3].

How to apply in Wisconsin

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with applications [^2].
Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person at Social Security [^4].
Apply for Medicaid through Access Wisconsin or with ADRC help [^5].
Ask about ABLE accounts for tax-free savings [^6].

Step 1: Call or visit your local ADRC. They offer free Disability Benefit Specialists who can guide you through the process [^2].
Step 2: Collect your medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history for fibromyalgia [^1].
Step 3: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office [^4].
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through Access Wisconsin or with help from your ADRC. You may need to provide proof of income, disability, and residency [^5].
Step 5: Ask about Wisconsin Medicaid waivers (like IRIS) if you need home or community-based services [^3].
Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-free savings to pay for disability-related expenses [^6].
Step 7: Complete all required forms and follow up on your applications. ADRCs can help with appeals if benefits are denied [^2].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources [^1].
Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI after 24 months [^1].
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities [^1].
Ticket to Work: Free program to help people with disabilities find jobs and keep benefits [^7].

Wisconsin Medicaid: Offers health coverage for people with disabilities, including Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and Medicaid Purchase Plan [^3].
Disability Benefit Specialists: Free help at ADRCs with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, FoodShare, and more [^2].
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Income if disabled while working for a Wisconsin employer [^8].
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities [^6].
FoodShare: Wisconsin’s SNAP program for food assistance [^2].
Low-income tax credits and housing/utility assistance may also be available [^2].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^6].
Funds can be used for housing, transportation, personal assistance, assistive technology, and health care [^6].
Wisconsin residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program [^6].

SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual [^1].
Wisconsin Medicaid has income and asset limits that vary by program [^3].
Working while on disability may affect benefits, but work incentives can help you keep them [^7].

You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments [^7].
Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your situation changes [^7].
Contact your benefits agency if you get an overpayment notice. You may be able to set up a repayment plan [^7].

Tips & Gotchas

Get Free Help

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

Contacts

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
Phone: 1-877-847-7597
Website
Find your local ADRC for free Disability Benefit Specialist help.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Website
Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with benefits.

FAQs

Can fibromyalgia qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work and is well-documented by medical records. Wisconsin’s Disability Benefit Specialists can help you apply and prove your case [^2][^1].
How do I apply for disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help. You can also apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person at Social Security. Medicaid applications can be done through Access Wisconsin or with ADRC support [^2][^4][^5].
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI in Wisconsin?
SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can help people with fibromyalgia in Wisconsin [^1].
Can I work while getting disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits. There are work incentives and earnings limits. If you earn above a certain amount, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. ADRCs can help you understand these rules [^2][^7].
What is an ABLE account and how can it help me in Wisconsin?
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Wisconsin residents can open an ABLE account for disability-related expenses [^6].
Do I need to report changes in my income or work status?

Official resources

Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)
Wisconsin Medicaid Programs for People With Disabilities(state_agency)
Apply for Social Security Disability(federal)
Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid(state_agency)
SSI/SSDI Work Incentives(federal)
Wisconsin Retirement System Disability Benefits(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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