Connecticut offers a range of disability benefits and support services for people with low vision, including medical coverage, cash assistance, home- and community-based services, and programs that help with independent living, training, and employment. Both federal and state programs are available, with some programs designed specifically for sensory disabilities.
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):
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:
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.
For people with low vision, Connecticut offers training, assistive technology, job placement, and independent living supports. Contact the Department of Disability Services for referrals and to learn about vision rehabilitation programs[2].
As of 2025, federal cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are not counted as income in Connecticut’s Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) cash assistance program. This helps maintain your eligibility and Medicaid funding[1].
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].
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.
Yes, the Department of Disability Services offers training, assistive technology, job placement, and independent living supports for people with vision loss[2].
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].
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].
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.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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At 18, SSI eligibility is reassessed under adult rules. If still disabled and within income limits, benefits may continue. If the disability began before age 22, they may also qualify for benefits on a parent’s record as a Disabled Adult Child[4].
You can appeal any denial or change in benefits. Follow the instructions in your decision letter, or contact your local legal aid organization for help.
Contact the Connecticut Department of Disability Services for referrals to vision rehabilitation, orientation-mobility training, assistive technology, and other specialized supports[2].
Yes, Connecticut offers transportation assistance for people with disabilities, including low vision. Ask your caseworker or the Department of Disability Services about available options[2].
