Intellectual Disability Benefits in Wisconsin

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet the 20/40 work credit rule (generally, you need 20 credits in the last 10 years) [9].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who have a disability, including intellectual disability, that meets Social Security’s definition. There is no work history requirement for SSI [9].
• Medicaid eligibility for people with intellectual disabilities depends on income, resources, and disability status. Wisconsin has special Medicaid programs for people with disabilities, including waivers for home and community-based services [8].
• Medicare is available to people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period, or who receive SSI and meet other requirements [9].

• In Wisconsin, people with intellectual disabilities can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists assist people ages 18-59 with physical, developmental, mental illness, and substance use disorders [1][4].
• Wisconsin Medicaid offers programs like Family Care Partnership, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan, and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) for people with intellectual disabilities [8].
• Wisconsin’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS waivers) provide long-term services and supports for people with intellectual disabilities, helping them live in the community instead of institutions [8].
• Wisconsin’s Disability Benefit Specialists can help with Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, FoodShare, housing, and utility issues [4].
• To keep Wisconsin disability benefits, you must report changes in income and complete annual forms [3].

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with applications and eligibility questions.
• Apply for Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid online at ACCESS.wisconsin.gov or with help from an ADRC.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers (HCBS) through your county ADRC or the Department of Health Services.
• Complete all required forms and submit them on time to avoid benefit interruptions.

• Step 1: Gather documents like proof of disability, income, resources, and residency.
• Step 2: Contact your local ADRC for free help from a Disability Benefit Specialist. They can explain benefits, check eligibility, and help fill out applications [1][4].
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You may need to provide medical records and work history [9].
• Step 4: Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid online at ACCESS.wisconsin.gov or with help from an ADRC. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) through your county ADRC or the Department of Health Services [8].
• Step 5: Complete all required forms each year to keep your benefits. If your income or situation changes, report it right away to avoid overpayments [3].
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Disability Benefit Specialists can help with appeals and hearings [4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults with disabilities who have a work history. Benefits start after a 24-month waiting period [9].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities and limited income/resources. No work history required [9].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or both. Wisconsin has special Medicaid programs for people with intellectual disabilities [8].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months, or who get SSI and meet other requirements [9].

• Wisconsin Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These programs help people with intellectual disabilities live in the community. Examples include Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and Medicaid Purchase Plan. They provide home care, respite, and other supports [8].
• Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS): Trained specialists at ADRCs help people with intellectual disabilities apply for and keep benefits like Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, FoodShare, housing, and utility assistance [1][4].
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Provides income if you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer. Includes short-term, long-term, and lifetime annuity options [3].
• State Group Health Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage for state employees, including disability-related needs [6].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for eligible residents [internal_link].

Wisconsin residents with intellectual disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Wisconsin [internal_link].

Wisconsin disability benefits have income limits. For example, if you work while getting WRS disability benefits, your benefit may be suspended if you earn more than $20,757 in 2025. Medicaid and SSI also have strict income and resource limits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments [3][9].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to keep your benefits. If you don’t, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Wisconsin requires annual forms for disability benefits. Report changes right away to avoid problems [3][internal_link].

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
  Phone: 1-877-847-7590

  Website

  Find your local ADRC for help with disability benefits.
• Disability Rights Wisconsin
  Phone: 1-877-734-2001

  TTY: 1-877-734-2002

  Email: info@disabilityrightswi.org

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

  Website

  Legal advocacy and support for people with disabilities.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI in Wisconsin?

  SSI is for people with disabilities and limited income/resources, no work history needed. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs help people with intellectual disabilities in Wisconsin [9][internal_link].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers for intellectual disability in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. They can explain waiver programs, check eligibility, and help with the application. You can also apply online at ACCESS.wisconsin.gov [8][internal_link].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Yes, but there are limits. If you earn more than $20,757 in 2025, your WRS disability benefit may be suspended. SSI and SSDI also have work incentives and rules. Always report changes in income [3][internal_link].

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help in Wisconsin?

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for eligible residents. You can save up to $17,000 per year for disability-related expenses [internal_link].

• How do I avoid overpayments on my disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Report changes in income, resources, or living situation right away. Complete all required forms each year. If you don’t, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back [3][internal_link].

• What help is available for housing and utilities in Wisconsin for people with intellectual disabilities?