People who are blind in Minnesota can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for employment and independent living. Recent changes affect public safety disability health benefits, but most blindness benefits remain stable.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with blindness, you must meet Social Security's definition of legal blindness. Legal blindness means vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You must also have limited income and resources for SSI, or enough work credits for SSDI. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your condition. SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You can receive both if you qualify. [^1]
If you are blind, you may qualify for higher income limits and special work incentives. For example, the SSI blind work expense deduction lets you subtract certain costs from your income when calculating benefits. [^2]
Minnesota offers extra help for people who are blind, including Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and family support grants. To get state benefits, you usually need to apply separately after getting federal approval. Minnesota’s Essential Community Supports Program and Family Support Grant can help with home and family services. [^3]
The state also has special rules for people with blindness, such as higher income limits for some programs and priority for certain services. Recent changes to public safety disability benefits do not affect most people who are blind unless they are public safety workers. [^1]
Minnesota’s ABLE accounts let people with blindness save money without losing benefits. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46, effective January 1, 2025. [^2]
Minnesota’s ABLE accounts let people who are blind save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46, effective January 1, 2025. [^2]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit for a single person who is blind is $1,971 per month. Minnesota may have higher limits for some state programs. Income from work can be higher due to the blind work expense deduction. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. [^2]
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security and Minnesota agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits. [^6]
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Legal blindness means vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. This is the standard used by Social Security for disability benefits.
Yes, you can work and keep SSI or SSDI. There are special work incentives for people who are blind, like higher income limits and the blind work expense deduction.
You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. If you get SSI, you are usually automatically enrolled in Medicaid in Minnesota.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Yes, Minnesota offers the Family Support Grant for families of children who are blind. This grant helps prevent out-of-home placement and supports family well-being.
Recent changes mainly affect public safety workers, not general blindness benefits. Most programs for people who are blind remain the same.
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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Disability Hub MN offers free expert help with benefits applications and planning. You can chat, call, or email them for support.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide cash and health benefits for blindness.
Yes, you can get both if you qualify. SSI is based on income and resources, SSDI is based on work history. Both programs have special rules for blindness.
Report changes to your income or resources to Social Security and Minnesota agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
