If you have low vision in Illinois, you may qualify for federal programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicare, or Medicaid, as well as Illinois-specific help like Medicaid waivers, ABLE savings accounts, and the Benefit Access Program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, key contacts, and answers common questions.
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:
For Illinois Medicaid & Waivers:
Benefit Access Program (BAP):
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.
If you are legally blind, you can earn more ($2,700/month in 2025) before Social Security considers it "substantial gainful activity" that could affect your SSI or SSDI eligibility. This is higher than for people with other disabilities—make sure your work is properly classified[2].
Open an Illinois ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses—like assistive technology, transportation, or education—without risking your SSI or Medicaid eligibility. There’s a yearly contribution limit, and up to $100,000 does not count against SSI resource limits[8].
If you’re 16+ and have a disability, you may qualify for free rides on CTA, Metra, and PACE, plus a license plate discount. Income limits apply—apply online at the Illinois Department on Aging’s portal[6].
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.
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.
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].
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].
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].
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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General Tips:
It’s possible but uncommon. SSI is based on financial need; SSDI is based on work history. Some people may receive both if their SSDI payment is very low and they meet SSI income/resource limits.
You have 60 days to appeal a denial. Start by requesting a reconsideration online or by calling Social Security. If denied again, request a hearing. Get help from legal aid or a disability advocate.
Illinois offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that may cover personal care, assistive technology, and in-home supports. Waiver availability is limited—contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to learn more and get on a waiting list.
Report changes to Social Security (for SSI/SSDI) and Illinois DHS (for Medicaid, ABLE, or BAP) as soon as possible. Delays can cause overpayments or benefit suspensions. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for details.
Yes, SSI is available for children with marked and severe functional limitations. Early Intervention services and special education supports are also available. Visit the Illinois Life Span resource directory for more state-specific programs.
