Illinois Benefits for Low Vision: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and More

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Illinois, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security, and your low vision must prevent you from working for at least 12 months—your work and medical history are reviewed[4]. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must result in marked and severe functional limitations[2]. For example, in 2025, a non-blind person can earn up to $1,620 per month and still qualify for SSI; the limit is higher for those who are blind ($2,700/month)[2]. Medicare eligibility is typically after you have received SSDI for 24 months. Medicaid is available based on income, with special rules for people with disabilities.

State-specific information is limited; start here: Illinois’ Benefit Access Program (BAP) offers perks like free public transit (CTA, Metra, PACE) and discounted license plates if you are 16+ with a disability and meet income limits—apply online with the Illinois Department on Aging[6]. Illinois ABLE accounts help you save for qualified expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[8]. Illinois Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may cover in-home supports, but waiver enrollment is limited—check with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for details. For more, visit the All benefits in your state hub.

To apply for SSI or SSDI, create a mySocialSecurity account and start your application online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For Illinois Medicaid, apply online at Healthcare and Family Services or call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154. For the Benefit Access Program, apply online with the Illinois Department on Aging. For specialized support, call local disability organizations or use the Illinois Life Span resource directory.

For SSI/SSDI:

• Gather your documents: Medical records, work history, proof of income and resources, and Social Security number.
• Start your application: Complete the online forms at SSA.gov for SSI or SSDI, or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone[4].
• Complete the Adult Disability Report: Provide detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and how your low vision affects daily activities and employment.
• Respond to requests: Social Security may ask for more information or schedule a medical exam.
• Wait for a decision: SSA will review your application and notify you by mail. If denied, you can appeal.

For Illinois Medicaid & Waivers:

• Check your eligibility: Illinois Medicaid uses federal poverty guidelines; waivers have additional criteria.
• Apply online: Use the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal or visit your local Family and Community Resource Center.
• Submit documentation: Provide proof of income, residency, and disability.
• Follow up: The state may request more details or schedule an interview.
• Ask about waivers: After Medicaid approval, ask how to apply for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for extra supports.

Benefit Access Program (BAP):

• Check eligibility: You must be 16+, Illinois resident, with a qualifying disability and meet income limits.
• Apply online: Use the Illinois Department on Aging portal[6].
• Receive benefits: If approved, you’ll get a transit card for free rides and a discount on license plates.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, including those with low vision, who meet strict income and asset limits[2]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, but now have a disability preventing substantial work[4]. Medicaid offers health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Medicare provides health insurance after receiving SSDI for 24 months. Check the SSI vs SSDI guide for key differences.

Illinois ABLE Accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid; funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like assistive technology or transportation[8]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) may cover in-home services, personal care, and equipment—but waiver slots are limited, so apply early. The Benefit Access Program (BAP) offers free public transit and license plate discounts for eligible Illinois residents with disabilities; income limits apply—apply online with the Illinois Department on Aging[6]. Early Intervention and other state services may be available for children. For a full list, visit All benefits in your state.

Illinois ABLE accounts let people with low vision (and other qualifying disabilities) save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other assistance programs[8]. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit), and the first $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI’s resource limit. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.

For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals[2]. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but you cannot earn above the SGA level ($2,590/month for blind individuals in 2025; non-blind SGA may increase, check SSA.gov for updates)[1]. Medicaid and the Benefit Access Program each have their own income limits—check with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for Medicaid and the Department on Aging for BAP[6].

Any changes in income, living situation, or resources must be reported promptly to Social Security (for SSI/SSDI) and Illinois DHS (for Medicaid, ABLE, or BAP) to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for best practices.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–7 pm

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications, appeals, and general questions.
• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other state benefits.
• Illinois Department on Aging
  Phone: 1-800-252-8966

  Website

  For Benefit Access Program (BAP) applications and help.
• Illinois ABLE
  Phone: 1-888-609-8506

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For questions about ABLE accounts in Illinois.

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

  Yes, but your earnings cannot exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,700/month; for non-blind, it’s lower. If you exceed SGA, you risk losing benefits. Learn about work incentives in our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.

• What is the maximum SSI benefit in Illinois for 2025?

  The federal maximum monthly SSI benefit for 2025 is $967 for an individual[5]. Illinois may add a small state supplement, but this is rare—check with the Illinois Department of Human Services for details.

• Does low vision always qualify as a disability for SSI/SSDI?

  Not automatically. Your low vision must meet Social Security’s definition of disability, meaning it must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Medical documentation is required—SSA will review your vision tests, treatment, and functional limitations[4].

• How do I apply for an Illinois ABLE account?

  Visit illinoisable.com to open an account online. You must have a qualifying disability (including low vision) that began before age 26. There are no income limits, but you must be eligible for SSI or SSDI or have a doctor’s certification[8].

• What Illinois programs help with transportation for people with low vision?

  The Benefit Access Program offers free rides on CTA, Metra, and PACE transit systems and a license plate discount for eligible residents with disabilities, including low vision. Income limits apply—apply online with the Illinois Department on Aging[6].