Speech Impairment Benefits in Wisconsin

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, your income and resources must be below the federal limits. Speech impairment can qualify if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work. Children with speech impairments may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the criteria for disability in childhood. All applications require medical evidence from doctors or therapists 8 10.

In Wisconsin, people with speech impairments can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS) at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). DBSs help people ages 18-59 with disabilities understand and apply for benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. If you are 60 or older, you can get help from Elder Benefit Specialists. Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may cover speech therapy and assistive devices. To qualify for state programs, you must live in Wisconsin and have a documented disability that affects your daily life and ability to work 1 6 7.

• Gather medical records showing your speech impairment.
• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help.
• Apply for Social Security benefits online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid or Medicaid Waivers through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.
• Ask about work incentives if you want to work while getting benefits.

• Get medical documentation: Ask your doctor or speech therapist for a detailed report of your speech impairment, including how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
• Contact your local ADRC: Call 1-844-WIS-ADRC or visit FindMyADRC.org to find a Disability Benefit Specialist. They can help you understand your options and fill out forms.
• Apply for Social Security benefits: Go to ssa.gov to apply for SSI or SSDI. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Children may qualify for benefits if their speech impairment meets childhood disability criteria.
• Apply for Medicaid or Medicaid Waivers: Visit dhs.wisconsin.gov to apply for Medicaid or Medicaid Purchase Plan. Medicaid Waivers may cover speech therapy, communication devices, and other supports.
• Report changes: If your income, work status, or living situation changes, report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• Ask about work incentives: If you want to work, ask about programs that let you keep benefits while you try to work. Wisconsin has work incentives benefit specialists who can help.
• Follow up: Keep copies of all forms and letters. Respond to any requests for more information quickly 7 6 8.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults who can’t work due to a disability, including speech impairment, if they have enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays benefits to people with disabilities who have low income and resources, including children with speech impairments.
• Medicaid: Pays for health care, including speech therapy and communication devices, for people with disabilities.
• Medicare: Available to some people with disabilities after getting SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): May cover home and community-based services for people with speech impairments, such as speech therapy and assistive technology 8 10.

• Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS): DBSs at ADRCs help people with speech impairments understand and apply for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits. They offer training, technical help, and support for appeals.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Wisconsin offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These may cover speech therapy, communication devices, and other supports for people with speech impairments.
• Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program: Helps people with disabilities, including speech impairments, get the supports they need to live independently.
• SSI Managed Care External Advocacy Project: Helps people in SSI-related Medicaid HMOs with questions about their medical benefits or care.
• Victim Advocacy Program: Supports victims of crime with disabilities, including speech impairments, to understand and exercise their rights 1 4 6 7.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Wisconsin, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for expenses related to your disability, including speech therapy, communication devices, and education. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free 3.

Income limits for disability benefits in Wisconsin depend on the program. For SSI, the federal limit is about $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid, limits vary based on household size and program. If you work while getting disability benefits, your earnings may affect your benefits. Wisconsin adjusts the earnings limit each year; in 2025, the limit is $20,757 for WRS disability benefits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments 3 8.

If your income, work status, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Wisconsin requires annual reporting for disability benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible to avoid problems 3 8.

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
  Phone: 1-844-WIS-ADRC

  Website

  Connects you to Disability Benefit Specialists and other local resources.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
  Phone: 1-800-362-3002

  Website

  Main agency for Medicaid and disability benefits in Wisconsin.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Federal agency for SSI and SSDI benefits.

• Can a speech impairment qualify for SSI or SSDI in Wisconsin?

  Yes, if your speech impairment is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical evidence from a doctor or therapist showing how your impairment affects your daily life and ability to work. Children with speech impairments may also qualify if their condition meets childhood disability criteria [8](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html) [10](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf).

• How do I apply for disability benefits for a speech impairment in Wisconsin?

  Start by getting medical records from your doctor or speech therapist. Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. Apply for Social Security benefits online, by phone, or in person. Apply for Medicaid or Medicaid Waivers through Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments [7](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ddb/apply.htm) [6](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/dbs.htm).

• What benefits are available for children with speech impairments in Wisconsin?

  Children with speech impairments may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition meets the criteria for disability in childhood. Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers may cover speech therapy and communication devices. Contact your local ADRC for help with applications and to learn about other programs for children with disabilities [10](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf) [7](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ddb/apply.htm).

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for a speech impairment in Wisconsin?

  Yes, Wisconsin has work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work. If you earn more than the earnings limit, your benefits may be suspended. The 2025 limit is $20,757 for WRS disability benefits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments [3](https://etf.wi.gov/benefits/benefits-provided-etf/disability-benefits) [8](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html).