Wisconsin • Mental Health

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Benefits in Wisconsin

If you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Wisconsin, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work support programs. Wisconsin offers special help through local centers and advocates to guide you through the process.

OCD can qualify for federal disability benefits if it severely limits your ability to work.
Wisconsin residents can get help from local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
You may qualify for Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.
Wisconsin has special programs for people with disabilities, including benefit specialists and ombudsman services.
You must report changes and meet annual requirements to keep your benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You also need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years) [^1].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security's definition [^1].
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is listed in Social Security's Blue Book under mental disorders. If your OCD is severe and meets the criteria, you may qualify for benefits [^1].
You must provide medical records and documentation from your doctor to prove your disability [^1].

In Wisconsin, adults ages 18-59 with a disability can get help from Disability Benefits Specialists at local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help you understand and apply for benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare [^2].
Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services [^3].
If you are working and have a disability, Wisconsin has programs to help you keep your Medicaid coverage and get support for employment [^4].
You must meet Wisconsin's income and resource limits for state programs, which may be different from federal limits [^2].
Wisconsin's Family Care and IRIS programs help people with disabilities stay in their homes and get the supports they need [^2].

How to apply in Wisconsin

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with benefits [^2].
Gather your medical records and proof of income.
Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online or in person [^5].
Apply for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services [^6].
Complete all required forms and submit them on time to avoid delays [^2].

Step 1: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). They can help you understand your options and fill out applications [^2].
Step 2: Gather your medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how your OCD affects your daily life and ability to work.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online at the Social Security website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office [^5].
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid. You can apply online through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or with help from your ADRC [^6].
Step 5: Complete any additional forms required by Wisconsin programs, such as for Medicaid waivers or work support programs [^3].
Step 6: Submit all forms and documents on time. You may need to provide updates or additional information if requested [^2].
Step 7: Attend any required interviews or medical exams. Keep copies of all paperwork for your records.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments if you have a disability and enough work credits [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments if you have a disability and limited income and resources [^1].
Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits [^7].
Medicare: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months [^7].
Ticket to Work: Helps people with disabilities find jobs and keep their benefits [^8].

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Offer benefit specialists to help you apply for and manage benefits [^2].
Wisconsin Medicaid Waivers: Help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities [^3].
Family Care and IRIS Programs: Help people with disabilities stay in their homes and get the supports they need [^2].
Disability Benefits Specialists: Provide training and support for people with disabilities to access benefits [^2].
Ombudsman Services: Help resolve issues with Medicaid and other programs [^2].
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program: Offers disability benefits for state employees [^9].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can use the funds for housing, transportation, personal assistance, and health care [^10].
ABLE accounts do not affect your eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs [^10].
Wisconsin residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program [^10].

For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to work [^1].
For SSI, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025 (federal limit) [^1].
For Wisconsin Medicaid, the income limit is higher for people with disabilities, but you must meet the program's requirements [^6].
If you work while receiving disability benefits, your earnings may affect your benefits. Check with Social Security or your ADRC for details [^9].

You must report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid [^11].
Failing to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties [^11].
If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [^11].
Keep records of all changes and communications with benefit agencies [^11].

Tips & Gotchas

Get Help Now

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with benefits. They can guide you through the application process and answer your questions.

Contacts

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
Phone: 1-877-847-7597
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
Find your local ADRC for personalized help with disability benefits.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Website
Call for help with SSDI, SSI, and other Social Security benefits.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Wisconsin?
Yes, if your OCD is severe and stops you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must provide medical proof and meet the program's requirements [^1].
How do I apply for disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. You can also apply online for SSDI or SSI, and for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services [^2][^5][^6].
What is the income limit for SSI in Wisconsin?
The federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Wisconsin may have different limits for state programs [^1].
Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Yes, but your earnings may affect your benefits. There are work incentives and programs to help you keep your benefits while working [^9].
What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It can help you save for expenses without losing your benefits [^10].
How do I report changes to my benefits in Wisconsin?
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report can result in overpayments [^11].
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Official resources

Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)
Wisconsin Medicaid Waivers(state_agency)
Apply for SSDI/SSI(federal)
Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid(state_agency)
Ticket to Work Program(federal)
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Wisconsin for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. For specific advice, contact a benefits specialist or legal aid organization.

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