Wisconsin • Physical/Mobility

Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits in Wisconsin

If you have rheumatoid arthritis 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-related disability programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

Rheumatoid arthritis can qualify for SSDI and SSI if it meets Social Security criteria.
Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers and support programs for people with disabilities.
Disability Benefits Specialists at ADRCs can help with applications and appeals.
Work incentives and ABLE accounts are available for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.
Annual reporting and income limits apply to most disability benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

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 Social Security Administration's work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [9].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security's definition. SSI is for people with low income, regardless of work history [9].
Rheumatoid arthritis is listed in Social Security's Blue Book under Section 14.09. If your condition meets the criteria, you may qualify for benefits. If not, you may still qualify if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working [9].
Both SSDI and SSI require medical evidence, such as doctor's reports and test results, to prove your disability [9].

In Wisconsin, adults ages 18–59 with physical disabilities like rheumatoid arthritis can get help from Disability Benefits Specialists (DBS) at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). DBS staff help with applications for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits [1].
Wisconsin Medicaid offers programs for people with disabilities, including Family Care Partnership, IRIS, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan. These programs provide long-term care and support services [8].
If you work for a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may be eligible for WRS disability benefits if you become disabled and must stop working before retirement age [3].
Wisconsin also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, which allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
To qualify for state programs, you must meet income and asset limits, and provide medical documentation of your disability [8].

How to apply in Wisconsin

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help with disability benefits applications.
Gather medical records and work history.
Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online, by phone, or in person.
Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid if you need health coverage.
Ask about work incentives and ABLE accounts if you want to save money or work part-time.

Step 1: Contact your local ADRC. ADRCs have Disability Benefits Specialists who can help you understand your options and start the application process. Find your local ADRC at adrcswwi.org [4].
Step 2: Gather documents. You will need medical records, work history, proof of income, and identification. For SSDI/SSI, Social Security will ask for detailed medical evidence [9].
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. The application will ask for information about your disability, work history, and income [9].
Step 4: Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid. If you need health coverage, apply through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, prescriptions, and long-term services [8].
Step 5: Ask about work incentives and ABLE accounts. If you want to work or save money, ask about Social Security's work incentives and Wisconsin's ABLE accounts. These programs can help you keep benefits while working or saving [internal_link_work_incentives, internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
Step 6: Follow up and appeal if needed. If your application is denied, you can appeal. ADRCs and Disability Rights Wisconsin can help with appeals and representation [1].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payments are based on your work history and earnings [9].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Payments are based on financial need [9].
Medicare: If you get SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. Medicare covers hospital, medical, and prescription drug costs [9].
Medicaid: If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Wisconsin. Medicaid covers medical, long-term care, and support services [8].

Wisconsin Medicaid Waivers: Programs like Family Care Partnership and IRIS provide long-term care and support services for people with disabilities. These waivers help people stay in their homes and communities [8].
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Disability Benefits: If you work for a Wisconsin Retirement System employer, you may get short-term or long-term disability benefits if you become disabled and must stop working before retirement age [3].
Disability Benefits Specialists (DBS): DBS staff at ADRCs help people with disabilities apply for and manage benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare [1].
ABLE Accounts: Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
Prescription Drug Assistance: Programs like Medicare Part D and Wisconsin's prescription drug assistance can help pay for medications [5].

Money & Banking

Wisconsin offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].

For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Wisconsin may have additional state supplements. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Check with your local ADRC or Medicaid office for current limits [8].
If you work while receiving disability benefits, there are earnings limits. For WRS disability benefits, the 2025 earnings limit is $20,757. If you earn more, your benefits may be suspended [3].

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments [internal_link_overpayments_and_reporting].
If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Ask your Disability Benefits Specialist for help with appeals and repayment options [1].

Tips & Gotchas

Get Help from a Disability Benefits Specialist

Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with disability benefits applications, appeals, and understanding your rights. Specialists can assist with Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and more [1].

Contacts

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Phone: 1-877-847-7597
Website
Find your local ADRC for help with disability benefits applications and support.
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Phone: 1-877-724-7244
TTY: 1-800-926-0517
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website
Free legal advocacy and support for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for rheumatoid arthritis in Wisconsin?
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets Social Security's criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Wisconsin also offers Medicaid and other support programs for people with disabilities [9].
How do I apply for disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person. You will need medical records and work history [9].
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments, but eligibility rules are different [internal_link_SSI_vs_SSDI].
Can I work while getting disability benefits in Wisconsin?
Yes, but there are earnings limits. If you earn more than the limit, your benefits may be suspended. Social Security and Wisconsin have work incentives to help you keep benefits while working [internal_link_work_incentives].
What is a Medicaid waiver in Wisconsin?
A Medicaid waiver is a program that provides long-term care and support services for people with disabilities. Waivers like Family Care Partnership and IRIS help people stay in their homes and communities [internal_link_Medicaid_Waivers_HCBS].
How do I get help with my disability benefits application?

Official resources

Wisconsin Medicaid Programs for People With Disabilities(state_agency)
Wisconsin Retirement System Disability Benefits(state_agency)
Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice on your specific situation.

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