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Wisconsin • Sensory
Wisconsin offers federal and state benefits for people with Low Vision, a sensory disability. Key programs include Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and unique state supports through Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, state-specific programs, money management, ABLE accounts, and avoiding overpayments—everything you need to navigate your options.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI with Low Vision or another sensory disability, you must have a medically documented impairment that meets Social Security’s standards for blindness or severe visual impairment. SSI is often for people with limited income and assets, while SSDI requires work history and sufficient work credits[9]. For SSI, an adult must have assets below $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple) and limited income. For SSDI, you must have worked long enough under Social Security and have a disability that prevents “substantial gainful activity” (earning above a set monthly amount, $20,757 in 2025[3]). Youth under 22 with a parent eligible for Social Security may qualify for SSDI as a “Child’s Benefit”[10]. These programs do not depend on your state, but Wisconsin has extra supports to help you apply and manage your case.
In Wisconsin, if you are age 18–59 and have a physical, sensory, developmental, or mental health disability—like Low Vision—you can get free help from Disability Benefit Specialists at your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)[1][4]. These specialists provide step-by-step guidance on applying for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid (also called Medical Assistance), Medicare, FoodShare, housing, tax credits, and more. There are also special Medicaid programs for working adults with disabilities, such as the Medicaid Purchase Plan[8]. Wisconsin’s Medicaid waivers, Family Care and IRIS, help eligible people with disabilities stay independent in their homes and community[8]. The Wisconsin Retirement System offers disability benefits for state employees who become disabled on the job[3]. Always contact your local ADRC to determine your exact eligibility and get one-on-one support.
If you have Low Vision and live in Wisconsin, start by contacting your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Their Disability Benefit Specialists can help you apply for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other programs[1][4]. For Social Security, you can apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213—an ADRC specialist can help you with the paperwork and guide you through the process. For state Medicaid and waivers, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website or call your county’s ADRC. For ABLE accounts, visit your state’s ABLE website (ask your ADRC for the link). Always keep records of your medical documents, income, and assets, and report changes promptly to avoid overpayments[internal_links].
Step 1: Get expert help. Call your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and ask for a Disability Benefit Specialist. They give free support to Wisconsin residents with disabilities and can help with every step—applications, appeals, and follow-up[1][4].
Step 2: Gather your documents. You’ll need medical records, vision exams, work history (for SSDI), proof of income and assets, and identification (like a birth certificate or ID).
Step 3: Start your application. For federal benefits (SSI/SSDI), you can apply online at ssa.gov or by phone (1-800-772-1213)[9]. If you need help with the online forms or interviews, your Disability Benefit Specialist can assist. For state Medicaid or Medicaid waivers, ask your ADRC for guidance and forms[8].
Step 4: Follow up and appeal if needed. It’s common to be denied at first—don’t give up. Your ADRC specialist can help you file an appeal and gather more evidence (see “Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes” for more on protecting your benefits)[internal_links].
Step 5: Keep up with requirements. If you get disability benefits, you must report changes in income, address, or medical condition. For state retirement benefits, complete any annual forms to avoid suspension[3].
Step 6: Explore all options. Ask your ADRC about other supports, like ABLE accounts for saving, Wisconsin’s unique Medicaid programs (Family Care, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan), and help with housing, food, and taxes[8][internal_links].
Step 7: Stay informed. Benefit rules and income limits change yearly. Check with your ADRC or benefit agency to keep up to date.
Federal benefits are the foundation for most people with Low Vision. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) provide monthly cash assistance to those who qualify based on their vision loss and financial situation[9][10]. Medicare helps pay for medical expenses for those on SSDI or over 65, while Medicaid (called Medical Assistance in Wisconsin) covers health care, home care, and supports for eligible low-income residents, including those with disabilities. There are also ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[internal_links].
The Social Security Administration and Medicaid have special rules for people with blindness or low vision, including higher income limits for SSI work income in some cases. Always check the latest federal guidelines and income limits on ssa.gov and medicaid.gov.
Wisconsin adds local supports to help people with Low Vision and other disabilities. Disability Benefit Specialists at every ADRC provide free, one-on-one help for adults 18–59 applying for, managing, and appealing federal and state benefits[1][4]. Wisconsin Medicaid offers special pathways for people with disabilities, including Family Care, IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), and the Medicaid Purchase Plan, which helps working adults keep their Medicaid coverage[8].
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) members may qualify for WRS disability benefits if they become disabled at work[3]. State Group Health Insurance is available for state employees and retirees, with options for vision and dental coverage[6].
If you have Low Vision, you can also get help with FoodShare, housing and utility assistance, low-income tax credits, and prescription drug programs. Disability Benefit Specialists can connect you with these resources. For youth with disabilities, Wisconsin provides transition supports and benefits counseling through schools and agencies. For working adults, it’s important to understand the rules for earning income while on disability benefits (see “SSI & SSDI Work Incentives” for more)[internal_links].
ABLE accounts are special savings accounts for people with disabilities (including Low Vision) that allow you to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. These accounts can be used for disability-related expenses like technology, assistive devices, transportation, and more. Wisconsin partners with national ABLE programs—ask your local ADRC for details and how to open an account[internal_links].
SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual, but some income is not counted (like ABLE account deposits). For SSDI, you generally cannot earn above $20,757/year in 2025 if you are receiving disability benefits[3]. Wisconsin Medicaid’s income limits depend on the specific program—some waivers allow higher incomes for people with disabilities. Always check directly with Social Security, your ADRC, or Wisconsin Medicaid for the latest limits and exceptions.
If your income, assets, or living situation changes, you must report it promptly to Social Security and Wisconsin Medicaid. Failure to do so can cause overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get a notice of overpayment, contact your local ADRC or Disability Rights Wisconsin for help appealing or negotiating a repayment plan[internal_links]. For WRS disability, you must submit annual forms to continue your benefits[3].
Disability Benefit Specialists at your local ADRC give free, one-on-one support for all benefit applications, appeals, and questions—whether you’re applying for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or other programs. They can also help you avoid overpayments and connect you with assistive technology services.[1][4]
Wisconsin’s Family Care and IRIS programs let you choose the supports you need to stay independent at home, including personal care, transportation, and assistive technology. If you work, the Medicaid Purchase Plan may help you keep your coverage.[8]
Young adults with Low Vision can get benefits counseling and transition support through schools and agencies. Ask about SSI, SSDI child’s benefits, and how to prepare for adulthood—your ADRC can connect you with local resources.[10]
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for a free Disability Benefit Specialist. They help adults 18–59 with all aspects of applying for, managing, and appealing SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other benefits[1][4].
Yes. Wisconsin offers Family Care, IRIS, and Medicaid Purchase Plan for eligible adults with disabilities—including Low Vision. These programs help with personal care, medical, and community living supports[8].
Yes, but income limits apply. For SSI, most of your earned income counts toward the monthly limit. For SSDI, you generally cannot earn above $20,757/year in 2025. Wisconsin Medicaid may have different rules—ask your ADRC[3][internal_links].
An ABLE account is a savings account that lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. You can use these funds for disability-related expenses. Wisconsin partners with national ABLE programs; ask your ADRC for setup help[internal_links].
Contact your Disability Benefit Specialist at your local ADRC. They can help you file an appeal, gather more evidence, and represent you at hearings[1][4].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Program rules and income limits may change. Always check with official agencies and benefits specialists for the latest, personalized guidance.
Report changes right away to Social Security and Wisconsin Medicaid (Medical Assistance). Failure to do so may cause overpayments—contact your ADRC for help if needed[internal_links].
Your ADRC can connect you with agencies and programs for assistive technology and vision rehabilitation services. State and federal programs may help cover costs—ask your specialist for details[1][4].
Yes—youth can access benefits through SSI, SSDI child’s benefits, Medicaid, and transition services. Schools and state agencies also offer transition planning and benefits counseling[10][internal_links].
Contact your ADRC or Disability Rights Wisconsin for help. You may be able to appeal or set up a repayment plan. Never ignore an overpayment notice[internal_links].
Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website or call the ADRC statewide directory. Your specialist will help you navigate all benefit options[1][4].
