Rett Syndrome 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 substantial work for at least 12 months. You must also meet the Social Security Administration's work credit requirements.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Rett Syndrome is considered a qualifying disability for children and adults.
• Both SSI and SSDI require medical documentation proving the disability.
• Children with Rett Syndrome may qualify for SSI based on their own disability or through their parents' income.
• Adults with Rett Syndrome may qualify for SSDI if they have a work history, or SSI if they have limited income and resources.
• For more details, see the Social Security Administration's eligibility page.

Source: Social Security Administration, How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA, accessed 2025-11-06

• In Wisconsin, people with Rett Syndrome can access Medicaid programs such as Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan, which provide long-term care and support services.
• Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) offer benefit specialists who help people with disabilities, including Rett Syndrome, understand and apply for benefits like Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance.
• The Disability Benefits Specialist (DBS) program, supported by Disability Rights Wisconsin, provides technical assistance and training to help people with disabilities access public and private benefits.
• Children and adults with Rett Syndrome may also qualify for Wisconsin's Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services.
• For more information on Wisconsin's Medicaid programs for people with disabilities, see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Medicaid Programs for People With Disabilities, accessed 2025-11-06 Source: Disability Rights Wisconsin, Disability Benefits Specialist Program, accessed 2025-11-06

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with benefits applications.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at the Social Security Administration website or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Access website.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings.
• For more details, see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Disability Determination Bureau.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Disability Determination Bureau: Applying for Disability Benefits, accessed 2025-11-06

• Step 1: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for personalized assistance. ADRCs have benefit specialists who can help you understand your options and complete applications.
• Step 2: Gather all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 3: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Access website. You may also apply for Medicaid waivers, which provide additional support services.
• Step 5: Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings. ABLE accounts can be used for expenses like housing, transportation, and health care without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Step 6: Complete any required annual reporting or forms to maintain your benefits.
• Step 7: If you have questions or need help, contact Disability Rights Wisconsin or your local ADRC.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Disability Determination Bureau: Applying for Disability Benefits, accessed 2025-11-06 Source: Disability Rights Wisconsin, Disability Benefits Specialist Program, accessed 2025-11-06

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid into Social Security and are now disabled.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities, including children and adults with Rett Syndrome.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: Social Security Administration, How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA, accessed 2025-11-06

• Wisconsin Medicaid Programs: Includes Family Care Partnership, IRIS, Medicaid Purchase Plan, and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual programs. These provide long-term care and support services for people with disabilities.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Offer benefit specialists who help people with disabilities understand and apply for benefits.
• Disability Benefits Specialist (DBS) Program: Provides technical assistance and training to help people with disabilities access public and private benefits.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Rett Syndrome.
• ABLE Accounts: Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Medicaid Programs for People With Disabilities, accessed 2025-11-06 Source: Disability Rights Wisconsin, Disability Benefits Specialist Program, accessed 2025-11-06

• ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for expenses like housing, transportation, personal assistance services, assistive technology, and health care not covered by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.
• ABLE savings accounts will largely not affect an individual’s eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and means-tested programs such as FAFSA, HUD, and SNAP/food stamp benefits.
• To open an ABLE account in Wisconsin, visit the ABLE National Resource Center.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center, accessed 2025-11-06

• For SSI, the income limit is based on the federal benefit rate and may be adjusted for state supplements.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• For Wisconsin Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.
• For Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) disability benefits, there is an earnings limit. In 2025, the limit is $20,757. If you earn more than this, your disability benefit may be suspended.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds, Disability Benefits, accessed 2025-11-06

• Recipients of disability benefits must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Annual reporting is required to maintain benefits.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the amount.
• For more information on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes, see the Social Security Administration's guide.

Source: Social Security Administration, Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes, accessed 2025-11-06

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
  Phone: 1-866-832-2363

  Website

  Find your local ADRC for help with benefits applications.
• Disability Rights Wisconsin
  Phone: 1-877-729-4357

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  Provides advocacy and support for people with disabilities.

• What federal benefits are available for Rett Syndrome in Wisconsin?

  People with Rett Syndrome in Wisconsin can apply for federal benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. These programs provide financial and health support based on disability, income, and work history.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin for Rett Syndrome?

  You can apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin through the Department of Health Services Access website. You may also apply for Medicaid waivers, which provide additional support services for people with disabilities.

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

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Wisconsin, ABLE accounts can be used for expenses like housing, transportation, and health care without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

• Are there state-specific programs for Rett Syndrome in Wisconsin?

  Wisconsin offers Medicaid programs like Family Care Partnership and IRIS, as well as Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. The Aging and Disability Resource Centers provide benefit specialists to help with applications.

• How do I find help with benefits applications in Wisconsin?

  Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for personalized assistance. ADRCs have benefit specialists who can help you understand your options and complete applications.

• What are the income limits for disability benefits in Wisconsin?

  Income limits vary by program. For SSI, the limit is based on the federal benefit rate. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity. For Medicaid, limits vary by program and household size.