Understanding Disability in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a below-average disability rate (42nd highest), with 12.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population reporting at least one disability. That translates to 701,774 people out of a total population of 5,828,067.
The most common disability type in Wisconsin is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 313,077 residents (5.7% of the population), followed by cognitive difficulty at 272,169 (4.9%).
Economically, the median household income in Wisconsin is $75,670, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.6%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.2%.
Types of Disabilities in Wisconsin
People may report more than one disability type. Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent in Wisconsin, affecting 313,077 residents (5.7% of the population).
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 206,077 | 3.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 106,767 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 272,169 | 4.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 313,077 | 5.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 123,291 | 2.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 232,921 | 5.1% |
Need Help Filing in Wisconsin?
- Average wait time: 203 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
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Disability by Age Group
Disability rates increase significantly with age. In Wisconsin, 42.1% of residents age 75 and over report at least one disability, compared to 5.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 52,757 | 5.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 97,167 | 7.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 253,470 | 11.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 128,106 | 20.2% |
| 75 and over | 168,294 | 42.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 352,241 | 12.1% |
| Female | 349,533 | 12.0% |
Males in Wisconsin have a higher disability rate (12.1%) compared to females (12.0%). In total, 352,241 men and 349,533 women report at least one disability, which is less common nationally but seen in several states.
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Wisconsin. These disparities reflect broader patterns of health access, occupational risk, and socioeconomic factors.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 583,155 | 12.3% |
| Black or African American | 50,191 | 14.4% |
| Asian | 10,829 | 6.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 39,447 | 8.7% |
Income & Poverty in Wisconsin
The median household income in Wisconsin is $75,670, slightly below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.6%, below the national average of 8.7%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified - people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to those without disabilities.
The unemployment rate in Wisconsin stands at 2.2%, which affects the SSDI situation since applicants must demonstrate inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
SSDI in Wisconsin
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides monthly benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability.
| Stage | Wisconsin Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 44% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 21% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 52% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 203 days | 227 days |
With an initial approval rate of 44%, Wisconsin is roughly in line with the national average. Approximately 56% of initial applications are denied, meaning roughly 5 in 10 first-time applicants receive a denial letter.
Applicants in Wisconsin benefit from relatively shorter processing times, averaging 203 days for initial claims, compared to the national average of 227 days. If your initial claim is denied, the reconsideration approval rate is 21%, and the hearing-level (ALJ) approval rate climbs to 52%.
Given these statistics, applicants in Wisconsin should consider working with a disability advocate or attorney from the start. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved, especially at the hearing stage where 52% of cases are won with legal help.
How to Apply for SSDI in Wisconsin
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through Social Security taxes and have a medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month ($2,590 if blind).
Step 2: Gather Your Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is the most important factor in SSDI claims. Collect records from all treating physicians, hospitals, and clinics. In Wisconsin, where only 44% of initial claims are approved, thorough medical evidence is critical.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office in Wisconsin. The average processing time for initial claims in Wisconsin is 203 days.
Step 4: If Denied, File an Appeal Promptly
With a 56% denial rate on initial claims in Wisconsin, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to request reconsideration. Do not miss this deadline.
Step 5: Request a Hearing Before an ALJ
If reconsideration is also denied, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. In Wisconsin, 52% of claimants win at the hearing level. This is where having legal representation makes the biggest difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Wisconsin?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 12.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Wisconsin has at least one disability, totaling 701,774 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate in Wisconsin?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Wisconsin is approximately 44%, meaning about 56% of first-time applicants are denied. At the reconsideration level, the approval rate is 21%, and at the hearing level (before an ALJ), it rises to 52%.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Wisconsin?
The average processing time for an initial SSDI application in Wisconsin is 203 days. This is shorter than the national average of 227 days. If you need to appeal to a hearing, the total process can take 12 to 24 months or longer.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Wisconsin?
If your SSDI claim was denied in Wisconsin, you have 60 days to file an appeal. With only a 21% reconsideration approval rate, many claimants proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, where 52% of cases are approved. Working with a disability lawyer or advocate significantly improves your chances, as they can help prepare medical evidence and represent you at your hearing.
What is the median household income in Wisconsin?
The median household income in Wisconsin is $75,670, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate in Wisconsin is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 8.7%.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSDI in Wisconsin?
While you can apply for SSDI on your own, statistics suggest that representation matters - especially in Wisconsin where 56% of initial claims are denied. At the hearing level, claimants with attorneys win at significantly higher rates. Disability attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case (typically 25% of back-pay, capped at $7,200).
Counties in Wisconsin
Explore disability statistics for individual counties in Wisconsin. Select a county for detailed data.
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Wisconsin is compiled from official government sources. Disability statistics are from the most recent available data.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024