Low Vision Benefits in Connecticut: Programs, Eligibility & How to Apply

Federal disability benefits for people with low vision depend on the severity of your vision loss and medical documentation. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[3][4]. Legal blindness (20/200 vision or less, or visual field of 20 degrees or less) qualifies you for SSDI or SSDI as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) if your disability began before age 22[4]. SSI income and asset limits are strict and adjusted annually. You can work while disabled, but earnings above $1,620/month (2025) may affect eligibility in most cases[4].

Connecticut uses the federal disability guidelines for SSI and SSDI, but also runs its own programs for low vision residents. Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) provides cash assistance—recent 2.5% cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are not counted as income in AABD benefit calculations, helping to maintain eligibility and Medicaid funding[1]. HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid) offers health coverage to qualified individuals, including those with sensory disabilities[2]. Eligibility for state benefits may include proof of Connecticut residency, income limits, and functional impairment due to low vision. Special programs for blindness and low vision may offer training, assistive technology, and job placement services—check with the Department of Disability Services for tailored resources[2].

To get the fastest help, apply for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) at ssa.gov. For state programs (cash assistance, Medicaid, vision-specific supports), start at Connect CT or contact the Connecticut DSS. Gather medical records documenting your low vision, proof of residency, income statements, and contact information for your doctors and employers. Federal and state applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person.

For Federal Benefits (SSI/SSDI):

• Visit ssa.gov to start your application for SSDI or SSDI[3][4].
• Collect medical evidence of your vision loss (eye exams, specialists’ notes, and test results).
• Complete the required forms and, if needed, request help from the Disability Determination Services office in Connecticut[3]. For Connecticut State Benefits:
• Go to Connect CT to apply for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid online[5].
• Call 1-855-626-6632 (TTD/TTY 1-800-842-4524) for assistance with DSS applications[5].
• Contact the Department of Disability Services for specialized low vision supports, such as assistive technology or job training[2]. Special Steps for Low Vision/Blindness:
• Ask about Connecticut’s vision rehabilitation programs, independent living services, and transportation options.
• Report any changes in income, living situation, or vision to both federal and state agencies to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
• Consider opening an ABLE account to save money without affecting SSI eligibility. After Applying:
• Keep copies of all paperwork submitted.
• Respond quickly if contacted for interviews or additional documentation.
• Monitor your application status online and follow up if you do not hear back within expected timelines.

SSI and SSDI are the main federal disability programs. SSDI requires a work history and is based on your Social Security taxes; SSI is for people with limited income and resources, including those who have not worked. Both define disability in the same way, and blindness or low vision may qualify if it prevents substantial work[3][4].

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits may be available if you have a disability that started before age 22 and your parent is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or is deceased[4].

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage, including for people with disabilities who meet income limits. In Connecticut, it is administered as HUSKY Health[2].

Connecticut’s main disability programs for low vision include:

• HUSKY Health (Medicaid): Health coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities, including vision care and supports for independent living[2].
• Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD): Cash assistance for qualifying low-income residents with disabilities; in 2025, federal COLA increases are disregarded when calculating eligibility[1].
• Department of Disability Services: Offers specialized services for people with vision loss, such as training, assistive technology, job placement, and support for daily living[2].
• HUSKY Plus: Extra health services for children with physical or developmental disabilities, including some visual impairments[2].

Connecticut also provides transportation, housing, nutrition, and legal aid for residents with disabilities[2][5]. For blindness and low vision, special programs may include vision rehabilitation and orientation-mobility training. Contact the state Department of Disability Services for referrals.

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities—including low vision—to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. You can open an ABLE account if you became blind or had low vision before age 26. ABLE accounts are managed by the Connecticut State Treasurer (not directly by DSS). For more, see our guide on ABLE accounts.

For federal SSI, income is limited to $943/month (individual, 2023 figures, check annually for updates). Connecticut’s AABD program also has strict income and resource limits; as of 2025, federal COLA increases are disregarded when calculating eligibility for AABD cash assistance[1]. Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities allows some working individuals to earn more and keep benefits. Always report income changes.

If you receive more benefits than you are eligible for (overpayment), you may have to pay it back. Immediately report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to both federal and state agencies. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits. For help, see our guide on avoiding overpayments.

• Connecticut DSS
  Phone: 1-855-626-6632

  TTY: 1-800-842-4524

  Website

  Apply for cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid (HUSKY Health), and other state benefits[5].
• Connecticut Disability Determination Services
  Phone: Not listed

  Website

  Help with SSI/SSDI applications and medical evidence[3].
• Department of Disability Services (DDS)
  Phone: Not listed

  Website

  Assistive technology, job training, and independent living supports for sensory disabilities[2].

• How do I qualify for Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health) with low vision?

  You must be a Connecticut resident, meet income and asset limits, and have a qualifying disability (including low vision or blindness). Low vision should be documented by a doctor. Apply via Connect CT or contact DSS for help[2][5].

• Can I work and still get SSI or Medicaid in Connecticut?

  Yes, but your earnings must stay below federal and state limits. Connecticut’s Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities (MED) program helps working individuals keep coverage even if their income increases[2]. Always report work and income changes.

• Are there special programs in Connecticut for people with low vision?

  Yes, the Department of Disability Services offers training, assistive technology, job placement, and independent living supports for people with vision loss[2].

• How do COLA increases affect my state cash assistance in Connecticut?

  Starting in 2025, federal COLA increases (2.5%) are disregarded as income when calculating eligibility for the state’s Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program, so your benefits should not decrease due to COLA[1].

• Where do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Connecticut?

  Apply online at ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office. You can also get help from Connecticut’s Disability Determination Services for medical evidence[3]. For state benefits, use Connect CT or call DSS[5].

• Are there ABLE accounts in Connecticut for low vision?

  Yes, ABLE accounts are available for Connecticut residents with disabilities that began before age 26, including many with low vision. Saving in an ABLE account does not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.