Kidney Disease Benefits in Wisconsin

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirement (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [8].
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older [8].
• Kidney disease may qualify under Social Security’s Blue Book listing 6.03 (Chronic Kidney Disease) if your condition meets the criteria, such as needing regular dialysis or having a kidney transplant [8].
• Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [8].

• In Wisconsin, people with kidney disease may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements [7].
• Wisconsin Medicaid offers programs like Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan for people with disabilities [7].
• To get help with benefits, contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help people ages 18-59 with disabilities, including kidney disease, understand and access benefits [1].
• Wisconsin also offers work incentives and support services for people with disabilities who want to work or are working [4].
• Annual reporting is required to keep disability benefits, and there are earnings limits if you work while receiving benefits [3].

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with benefits applications.
• Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online or in person at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
• Complete all required forms and provide medical records to support your application.
• Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for more information.

• Step 1: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Disability Benefit Specialists can help you understand your options and assist with applications [1].
• Step 2: Gather your medical records and other documents needed for your application, such as proof of income and residency.
• Step 3: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at ssa.gov or in person at your local Social Security office [6].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. You can apply online or by contacting your local county office [6].
• Step 5: Complete all required forms and submit them with your supporting documents.
• Step 6: Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for more information or additional documentation.
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Disability Benefit Specialists can help with appeals [4].
• Step 8: Once approved, complete annual reporting requirements to keep your benefits [3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who are disabled and have worked in jobs covered by Social Security [8].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources [8].
• Medicare: Provides health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [8].
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and disability requirements [8].

• Wisconsin Medicaid: Offers health coverage for people with disabilities, including those with kidney disease. Programs include Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan [7].
• Disability Benefit Specialists: Trained specialists at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) help people with disabilities understand and access benefits, including Medicaid, SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and other programs [1].
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: Provides income if you become disabled while working for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer [3].
• Work Incentives: Wisconsin offers support services and work incentives for people with disabilities who want to work or are working [4].
• Annual Reporting: Recipients of disability benefits must complete and submit forms each year to ensure their benefits continue [3].

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. You can learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one on the state’s ABLE account website [internal_links].

Income limits for disability benefits vary by program. For example, the 2025 earnings limit for Wisconsin Retirement System disability benefits is $20,757. If you earn more than this, your disability benefit may be suspended [3]. For SSI, the income limit is much lower and changes each year. Check the SSI Income Estimator tool for current limits [internal_links].

If you receive disability benefits, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Wisconsin requires annual reporting to keep disability benefits. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [internal_links].

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
  Phone: 1-877-847-7597

  Website

  Find your local ADRC for help with disability benefits.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
  Phone: 1-800-362-3002

  TTY: 1-800-947-3529

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other disability benefits.
• 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 SSDI and SSI.

• Can I get disability benefits for kidney disease in Wisconsin?

  Yes, if your kidney disease meets Social Security’s criteria for disability, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You may also qualify for Medicaid if you meet income and disability requirements. Contact your local ADRC for help with applications.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for kidney disease in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. Apply for SSDI or SSI online or in person at your local Social Security office. Apply for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

• What programs are available for people with kidney disease in Wisconsin?

  Programs include SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, Wisconsin Retirement System disability benefits, and Medicaid waivers like Family Care Partnership and IRIS. Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help you access these programs.

• Do I need to report changes if I get disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Yes, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments and penalties. Wisconsin requires annual reporting to keep disability benefits.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Yes, Wisconsin offers work incentives and support services for people with disabilities who want to work. There are earnings limits for some benefits, so check with your Disability Benefit Specialist for details.

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Wisconsin?