Low Vision Benefits in Delaware: 2025 Guide

People with low vision may qualify for federal disability benefits if their vision loss meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources and meet SSA’s medical criteria for blindness or low vision. For SSDI, you must have a qualifying work history and meet the medical criteria. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, resources, and disability status. Medicaid covers vision services, including eye exams, glasses, and low vision aids.

• SSI: Must meet SSA’s definition of blindness or low vision, have limited income and resources, and be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. ssa.gov
• SSDI: Must have a qualifying work history and meet SSA’s medical criteria for blindness or low vision. ssa.gov
• Medicaid: Must meet income and disability criteria. Medicaid covers vision services and supports for people with disabilities. medicaid.gov

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

In Delaware, people with low vision can qualify for Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, resources, and disability status. Delaware offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, including vision services and supports. SSI and SSDI eligibility is based on federal criteria, but Delaware may have additional programs and services for people with low vision. Delaware also offers ABLE accounts for saving for disability-related expenses.

• Medicaid: Must meet income and disability criteria. Covers vision services and supports for people with disabilities. dhss.delaware.gov
• SSI/SSDI: Must meet federal criteria for blindness or low vision. ssa.gov
• Medicaid Waivers: Delaware offers waivers for home and community-based services, including vision services and supports. dhss.delaware.gov
• ABLE Accounts: Delaware offers ABLE accounts for saving for disability-related expenses. dhss.delaware.gov

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility criteria for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid.
• Gather medical records and proof of income and resources.
• Apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts if eligible.
• Report changes in income, resources, or disability status.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

• Review eligibility criteria for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Make sure you meet the medical criteria for low vision and the income and resource limits.
• Gather medical records, proof of income and resources, and other required documents.
• Apply for SSI and SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office.
• Apply for Medicaid online at dhss.delaware.gov, by phone at 1-866-843-7212, or in person at a local DMS office.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts if eligible. Medicaid waivers can be applied for through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. ABLE accounts can be opened online at dhss.delaware.gov.
• Report changes in income, resources, or disability status to avoid overpayments.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

• SSI: Provides monthly cash payments and Medicaid to people with low vision who meet income and resource limits.
• SSDI: Provides monthly cash payments to people with low vision who have a qualifying work history.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage, including vision services, to people with low vision who meet income and disability criteria.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services, including vision services and supports, to people with low vision.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

Delaware offers several programs for people with low vision:

• Medicaid: Provides health coverage, including vision services, to people with low vision who meet income and disability criteria. dhss.delaware.gov
• Medicaid Waivers: Delaware offers waivers for home and community-based services, including vision services and supports. dhss.delaware.gov
• ABLE Accounts: Delaware offers ABLE accounts for saving for disability-related expenses. dhss.delaware.gov
• Division of the Visually Impaired: Provides services and supports for people with low vision, including vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. dhss.delaware.gov

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Delaware offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including low vision. ABLE accounts allow you to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can open an ABLE account online at dhss.delaware.gov. dhss.delaware.gov

Citations: [5]

Income limits for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid vary based on federal and state criteria. For SSI, the income limit is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for a couple in 2025. For Medicaid, the income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must have a qualifying work history. ssa.gov, medicaid.gov

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

It is important to report changes in income, resources, or disability status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Report changes to the Social Security Administration and the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance as soon as possible. ssa.gov, dhss.delaware.gov

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4]

• Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
  Phone: 1-866-843-7212

  Website

  For Medicaid applications and questions.
• Delaware Division of the Visually Impaired
  Phone: 302-255-9444

  Website

  For services and supports for people with low vision.

• What is the definition of low vision for disability benefits?

  Low vision is defined by the Social Security Administration as vision that cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in the better eye or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. This definition is used for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid eligibility. [ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/disability/)

• How do I apply for SSI with low vision in Delaware?

  You can apply for SSI online at [ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/apply/), by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income and resources. [ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/apply/)

• What vision services are covered by Medicaid in Delaware?

  Medicaid in Delaware covers vision services, including eye exams, glasses, and low vision aids. Medicaid also covers home and community-based services for people with low vision. [dhss.delaware.gov](https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dms/)

• Can I work and still get SSI or SSDI with low vision?

  Yes, you can work and still get SSI or SSDI with low vision. There are work incentives and programs to help you keep your benefits while working. [ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/disability/)

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how do I apply in Delaware?

  A Medicaid waiver provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You can apply for a Medicaid waiver through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance in Delaware. [dhss.delaware.gov](https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dms/)

• What is an ABLE account and how do I open one in Delaware?