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Louisiana • Sensory
If you have low vision in Louisiana, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SNAP, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and more. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For low vision, this means your vision loss is severe enough to limit your ability to work or do basic activities for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if you qualify. You must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. You also need enough work credits for SSDI, or meet income and resource limits for SSI [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
If you are blind or have low vision, you may also qualify for special rules and higher income limits. For example, the SGA limit is higher for blind people. You can use work incentives to test returning to work without losing benefits right away [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
In Louisiana, people with low vision may qualify for state-funded SNAP emergency aid if they are elderly, disabled, or live with children. This aid started in November 2025 due to a federal shutdown. Households with only able-bodied adults do not get this aid. If you have low vision, you may be considered disabled for SNAP purposes. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers, which can help pay for home and community-based services. Louisiana also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, which let you save money without losing benefits. To get these benefits, you must meet both federal and state rules [ldh.la.gov, 2025-11-05; la.gov, 2025-11-05].
Louisiana’s ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other needs. To open an ABLE account, visit the Louisiana ABLE website or call 1-800-252-2237 [la.gov, 2025-11-05].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind). For SNAP, the gross monthly income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. For Medicaid, limits vary by program and household size [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05; ldh.la.gov, 2025-11-05].
Always report changes in your income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. You can report changes online at ssa.gov or by calling your local office. For SNAP and Medicaid, report changes at access.la.gov or by calling 1-888-342-6207 [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05; ldh.la.gov, 2025-11-05].
Due to the federal shutdown, Louisiana is providing emergency state-funded SNAP for vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities, starting November 1, 2025. If you have low vision, you may qualify for this aid.
Yes, if you have low vision and meet income and resource limits, you may qualify for SNAP. Louisiana is also providing emergency state-funded SNAP for vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities, starting November 1, 2025.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSI or SSDI benefits.
You can apply online at ssa.gov or in person at a local SSA office. You will need medical records that show your vision loss and proof of income. The SSA will review your case and decide if you qualify.
Medicaid waivers in Louisiana let people with disabilities get home and community-based services. These can help with daily living, transportation, and more. You must meet eligibility rules to get a waiver.
Yes, you can work and still get SSI/SSDI if you earn less than the SGA limit. The SSA has work incentives to help you test returning to work without losing benefits right away.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other needs.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Always report changes in your income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online at ssa.gov or by calling your local office. For SNAP and Medicaid, report changes at access.la.gov or by calling 1-888-342-6207.
If you lose SNAP benefits, you may qualify for emergency state-funded SNAP if you are elderly, disabled, or live with children. You can also apply for other food assistance programs through local charities or food banks.
Yes, if you have low vision and meet income and resource limits, you may qualify for Medicaid. Louisiana offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
SSI is for people with low income and resources who are blind, disabled, or 65+. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have work incentives and income limits that change each year.
