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Wisconsin • Chronic Illness
People with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin can access federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, and support programs. Eligibility depends on income, work history, and disability status. Disability Benefits Specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can help you apply and manage benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition in Social Security’s Blue Book, so if your medical records show advanced disease, you may qualify faster. You must also be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
In Wisconsin, adults ages 18–59 with HIV/AIDS can get help from Disability Benefits Specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help with Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, and other benefits. You must have a disability that limits your ability to work. Wisconsin Medicaid covers people with HIV/AIDS if you meet income and asset limits. Some programs, like the Qualified Disabled and Working Individual Program, help pay Medicare premiums if you have a disability and are working. Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and health care. Learn more about Wisconsin ABLE accounts and how to open one.
Most disability benefits have income and asset limits. For SSI in 2025, the federal limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Wisconsin Medicaid has higher income limits for people with disabilities. The earnings limit for WRS disability benefits in 2025 is $20,757. If you earn more, your benefits may be suspended. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to keep your benefits. If you don’t report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check how work affects your benefits. If you get an overpayment notice, contact your Disability Benefits Specialist for help with appeals or repayment plans.
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with benefits applications, appeals, and ongoing support.
Yes, HIV/AIDS is a qualifying disability for SSDI, SSI, and Wisconsin Medicaid. You must meet income, work, and medical criteria. Contact your local ADRC for help with applications.
Apply for Medicaid through Wisconsin’s ACCESS system. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and medical records. ADRC Disability Benefits Specialists can help you apply.
The federal SSI limit in 2025 is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Wisconsin Medicaid has higher limits for people with disabilities.
Yes, Wisconsin offers work incentives and Medicaid waivers that let you keep benefits while working. Report all income changes to avoid overpayments.
A Medicaid waiver lets you get home and community-based services instead of living in an institution. Wisconsin offers waivers for personal care, home care, and more.
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Disability Benefits Specialists can help you apply, appeal, and manage your benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current eligibility and application rules.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for eligible residents.
You can appeal the decision. Disability Benefits Specialists at ADRCs can help you with appeals and hearings.
Yes, you must report changes to keep your benefits. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers, work incentives, and support from Disability Benefits Specialists for people with HIV/AIDS. Ask your ADRC about all available programs.
