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Wisconsin • Speech/Language
People in Wisconsin with stuttering may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available for support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your stuttering must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and asset rules. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability. Children with stuttering may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits [9].
Stuttering is considered a speech/language disorder. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical evidence, including speech therapy records and doctor’s notes, to decide if your condition meets their rules for disability [10].
In Wisconsin, adults ages 18–59 with disabilities—including stuttering—can get help from Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS) at Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These specialists help people apply for and keep benefits like Medicaid, FoodShare, and Social Security. You do not need to be on SSI or SSDI to get help from a DBS. Services are free and confidential [1].
Wisconsin also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which may include speech disorders if they affect daily living. These waivers can help pay for therapy, home care, and other supports. You must meet income and disability rules to qualify [7].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for education, housing, transportation, and more. Wisconsin has its own ABLE program. Learn more at the official ABLE website [internal_links].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is about $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (substantial gainful activity). For Wisconsin Medicaid, income limits depend on household size and program rules [3].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and Wisconsin agencies. Not reporting can cause overpayments and loss of benefits. If you get an overpayment, you may be able to repay in installments or ask for a waiver [internal_links].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with disability benefits. Specialists can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if stuttering is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence, such as speech therapy records and doctor’s notes, to prove your disability [9].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help. Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. Apply for Medicaid and FoodShare through ACCESS Wisconsin [7].
Disability Benefit Specialists at ADRCs can help with applications, appeals, and understanding benefits. Medicaid waivers may cover therapy and home care. State programs offer health insurance and food help [1].
No, you do not need to be on SSI or SSDI to get help from a Disability Benefit Specialist. Services are free and confidential for people ages 18–59 with disabilities, including stuttering [1].
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is about $943 per month for an individual. Wisconsin may have different rules for Medicaid and other programs. Check with your local ADRC for details [3].
Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month from work. For SSI, work incentives let you keep some benefits while working. Report changes to avoid overpayments [internal_links].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more. Wisconsin has its own ABLE program [internal_links].
Report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and Wisconsin agencies. Not reporting can cause overpayments and loss of benefits. You can report changes online or by phone [internal_links].
A Medicaid waiver pays for therapy, home care, and other supports for people with developmental disabilities. Apply through your local ADRC or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services [7].
Yes, children with severe stuttering may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. The SSA reviews medical evidence to decide if the child’s condition meets disability rules [10].
