What the Badger 500 loan program does

The Badger 500 is a Wisconsin state loan program that helps people with disabilities purchase assistive technology or equipment they need for work, school, or daily living. The program lends money at a lower interest rate than typical personal loans, and you repay it over time. It is run by the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, part of the state's Department of Children and Families.

The loan covers things like wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices, computer software, vehicle modifications, and other equipment that reduces barriers created by a disability. You work with a DVR counselor to identify what you need, get quotes, and move through the loan process. The program is named after the maximum loan amount it originally offered, though that cap has changed over time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Badger 500 program lends money for assistive technology and equipment at rates lower than commercial loans, and you must repay the full amount over a set period.
  • You work with a Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor who helps you identify needs, gather quotes, and submit your loan request.
  • The program is open to people with disabilities who live in Wisconsin and can show that the equipment will help them work, attend school, or live more independently.
  • Loan approval depends on your ability to repay and the equipment's connection to reducing disability-related barriers, not on your credit score alone.

Who can borrow through Badger 500

To borrow through Badger 500, you must be a Wisconsin resident with a documented disability. You do not need to be currently working or in school — the program serves people across different life situations. The equipment you want to purchase must have a clear connection to your disability and must help you work, pursue education, or live more independently in your community.

You will need to work with the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. If you are already working with a DVR counselor, you can discuss the Badger 500 option with them. If you are not yet connected to DVR, you can contact your local DVR office to start the process. DVR staff will help you figure out whether a loan makes sense for your situation and what equipment might may have access to.

How the loan amount and repayment work

The maximum loan amount varies depending on the equipment and your circumstances. Loan terms typically run from two to five years, and the interest rate is set by the state and is lower than what you would find through a bank or credit card. You make monthly payments, and the amount depends on how much you borrow and how long you choose to repay.

Unlike a grant or subsidy, you are responsible for repaying every dollar you borrow. Your DVR counselor will help you understand the monthly payment before you commit to the loan. If your financial situation changes and you struggle to make payments, contact your loan servicer right away — many programs have options for temporary payment adjustments or deferment.

Steps to request a Badger 500 loan

Start by contacting your local Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office. You can find your regional office on the DVR website or call the main DVR line. Tell them you are interested in the Badger 500 program and ask to speak with a counselor about your equipment needs.

Your counselor will work with you to identify what equipment you need and why it matters for your independence or employment. You will need to get quotes from vendors — usually at least two quotes so the program can verify the price is reasonable. Your counselor will help you gather these quotes and submit them along with your loan request.

The program will review your request, your ability to repay, and the connection between the equipment and your disability. This review typically takes several weeks. Once approved, the program usually pays the vendor directly, and you begin repaying the loan according to the schedule you agreed to.

What equipment typically qualifies

Common items funded through Badger 500 include mobility equipment like wheelchairs and scooters, hearing aids and cochlear implants, speech-to-text software and communication devices, vehicle modifications for drivers with disabilities, and computer equipment or adaptive software. The equipment must be something you need because of your disability, not something that would be useful to anyone.

Equipment that is purely recreational or that you could use without a disability-related reason typically does not may have access to. Your DVR counselor can tell you whether a specific item is likely to be approved before you spend time getting quotes. If you are unsure, ask — it is better to check early than to go through the quote process and find out later that the equipment does not fit the program's rules.

When Badger 500 may not be the right choice

If you cannot afford monthly loan payments, a loan is not the right tool — you would want to explore whether grants, subsidies, or other non-repayable funding sources exist for your equipment. Some equipment may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or your health insurance, which would be free or low-cost compared to a loan.

If you need equipment urgently and cannot wait several weeks for loan approval, you may need to explore faster funding routes or temporary solutions while the loan is being processed. Talk with your DVR counselor about your timeline and what options might work if you need the equipment sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Badger 500 check my credit score?

The program does not rely on credit score the way a bank does. Instead, it looks at your ability to repay based on your income and expenses. If you have a history of unpaid debts or defaults, that may affect approval, but a low credit score alone will not disqualify you. Your DVR counselor can discuss your financial situation confidentially.

What happens if I cannot make a payment?

Contact your loan servicer when ready — do not wait until you miss a payment. Many programs offer temporary payment reductions, deferment, or forbearance if you are facing hardship. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have to avoid default.

Can I use Badger 500 to buy used equipment?

Used equipment may be approved if it is in good working condition and the price is reasonable. You will still need quotes and documentation showing the equipment works and is appropriate for your needs. Ask your DVR counselor whether used options are an option for what you are looking to purchase.

How long does the approval process take?

Approval typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit a complete process with quotes. The timeline depends on how quickly you gather quotes, how busy your local DVR office is, and whether the program needs additional information from you. Your counselor can give you a more specific estimate based on your situation.

Can I pay off the loan early without a penalty?

Most state loan programs allow early repayment without penalty, but confirm this with your loan servicer when you receive your loan documents. Paying early can save you money on interest, so if you have the ability to do so, it is usually worth asking about.