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Wisconsin • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Wisconsin, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and meet Social Security's definition of disability. Heart disease is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under Section 4.00, Cardiovascular System. If your condition matches or equals the criteria, you may be eligible for benefits. Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [7].
In Wisconsin, adults ages 18-59 with a disability, including heart disease, can get help from Disability Benefits Specialists (DBS) at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists assist with understanding and applying for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other health insurance programs. Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, such as Family Care and IRIS, which help with long-term care and support services. If you are a public employee, you may qualify for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) disability benefits if you become disabled while working [1][3][6].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts through the state's ABLE program. Contributions are limited, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses [internal_links].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Wisconsin may have additional state supplements. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For WRS disability benefits, there is an earnings limit; in 2025, you cannot earn more than $20,757 per year while receiving benefits [3].
You must report changes in income, resources, or health status to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes promptly to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs [internal_links].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with disability benefits applications and questions. Specialists can guide you through the process and help with appeals.
Yes, heart disease can qualify for disability benefits in Wisconsin if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets Social Security's definition of disability. You may be eligible for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and other programs.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online or at your local Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Disability Benefits Specialists at ADRCs can help you with the process.
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For WRS disability benefits, the 2025 earnings limit is $20,757 per year.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need and is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments to people with disabilities [internal_links].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSI, your income must be below the limit. For SSDI, you can earn up to a certain amount before benefits are affected. For WRS, you cannot earn more than $20,757 per year [3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for qualified disability expenses [internal_links].
Report changes in income, resources, or health status promptly to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back [internal_links].
Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers like Family Care and IRIS, which provide long-term care and support services. Disability Benefits Specialists at ADRCs can help you access these services.
Yes, children with heart disease may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and financial criteria. Adults with disabilities that began before age 22 may qualify for SSDI as a 'child's benefit' [8].
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Disability Benefits Specialists at ADRCs can help you with the appeals process and administrative hearings [1].
