Low Vision Benefits in Alabama: 2025 Guide

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability and enough work history. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Both programs use the same medical rules to decide if someone is disabled. For 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals, and the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. SSDI has no income or resource limits once approved, but you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. If you are blind, the income limits are higher. For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [2] Parmele Disability, [5] SSA.gov, [6] SSA.gov

In Alabama, the state does not add extra payments to SSI benefits. However, if you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the first medical decision for both SSDI and SSI. The state also offers Medicaid home and community-based waivers for people who are elderly or disabled, including those with low vision. These waivers help people get care at home instead of in a nursing facility. To qualify for a waiver, you must meet the nursing facility level of care and have income under $2,901 per month and resources under $2,000. Alabama also has a Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program that gives free benefits counseling to SSDI/SSI recipients.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [3] Alabama Medicaid, [7] Alabama Department of Mental Health

• Check if your low vision meets federal disability rules.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
• If approved for SSI, you get Medicaid automatically in Alabama.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers if you need home care.
• Get free work incentive counseling if you want to work.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [3] Alabama Medicaid, [7] Alabama Department of Mental Health

• Step 1: Review the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria for low vision. Your vision must meet the definition of disability for SSDI or SSI.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, including eye exams and doctor’s notes, and work history if applying for SSDI.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: If you apply for SSI, Alabama will automatically enroll you in Medicaid if approved.
• Step 5: If you need home care, apply for a Medicaid waiver through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver is for people who need nursing facility-level care.
• Step 6: If you want to work, contact the WIPA program for free benefits counseling and support.
• Step 7: Keep all records and report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [3] Alabama Medicaid, [7] Alabama Department of Mental Health

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with low vision who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. No income or resource limits once approved.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low vision and limited income and resources. Income limit is $943/month for individuals in 2025. Resource limit is $2,000 for individuals.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI. Not automatic with SSI.
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients in Alabama.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help people with disabilities work and keep benefits.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [2] Parmele Disability, [5] SSA.gov, [6] SSA.gov

• Medicaid Waivers: Alabama offers home and community-based waivers for people with low vision who need nursing facility-level care. The Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver covers case management, personal care, respite care, adult day health, home delivered meals, medical supplies, skilled nursing, pest control, family empowerment, respite care, positive behavior supports, community transportation, and community integration skills training. Income limit is $2,901/month, resource limit is $2,000.
• Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA): Free benefits counseling and support for SSDI/SSI recipients who want to work. A Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) is assigned to each client.
• No State Supplemental Payments: Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI benefits.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [3] Alabama Medicaid, [7] Alabama Department of Mental Health

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama residents with low vision can open an ABLE account if they became disabled before age 26. ABLE accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. For more information, see the ABLE National Resource Center.

Citations: [8] USAGov

For 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. For SSDI, there are no income or resource limits once approved. For Medicaid waivers, the income limit is $2,901 per month and the resource limit is $2,000.

Citations: [1] DisabilityResources.org, [3] Alabama Medicaid

You must report changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. For more information on reporting changes and avoiding overpayments, see the SSA’s guide.

Citations: [8] USAGov

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI, get help with benefits
• Alabama Department of Mental Health
  Phone: 1-800-361-4491

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Medicaid waivers, home care, work incentives

• Can I get SSI for low vision in Alabama?

  Yes, if your low vision meets the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria and you have limited income and resources. SSI recipients in Alabama automatically get Medicaid.

• Does Alabama add extra payments to SSI?

  No, Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI benefits. However, SSI recipients get automatic Medicaid.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Alabama?

  For 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have low vision in Alabama?

  Yes, if you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers if you need home care.

• What is the SGA limit for low vision in Alabama?

  For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits.

• Are there Medicaid waivers for low vision in Alabama?

  Yes, Alabama offers Medicaid home and community-based waivers for people with low vision who need nursing facility-level care. The Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver covers a range of services.

• Can I work if I get SSI or SSDI for low vision?