People with low vision in Minnesota can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on medical criteria, income, and work history. New 2025 changes affect some public safety disability benefits and Medicaid waiver access.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with low vision, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For adults, this means your vision loss must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children with low vision may qualify if their condition meets SSA’s childhood disability criteria. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, to qualify for SSDI. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical documentation of your vision impairment [4].
In Minnesota, people with low vision may qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and medical need. Minnesota’s Medicaid waiver programs provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including low vision. The Waiver Reimagine initiative is making it easier to access these services and giving people more control over their support plans. Income guidelines for Minnesota benefits are updated annually with the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), effective July 1, 2025 [3].
Federal disability programs for low vision include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. SSI helps people with disabilities and seniors who have low income and resources. Both programs require medical proof of disability and have strict income and asset limits. Children with qualifying low vision may also receive benefits as dependents or through the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) program if their parent is receiving Social Security benefits [4].
Minnesota offers several programs for people with low vision:
ABLE accounts are available in Minnesota for people whose disability began before age 46. These accounts allow you to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free. You can open an ABLE account through the Minnesota ABLE program or another state’s program if Minnesota’s is not available [3].
Income limits for Minnesota disability benefits are updated annually. For 2025, the limits include the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). For Medical Assistance, Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support, the income guidelines are based on federal poverty levels and are adjusted each July. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 and still receive benefits [4].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Minnesota human services agencies promptly. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for step-by-step instructions on what to report and how to avoid overpayments [5].
Contact Disability Hub MN for free expert help with disability benefits applications, benefits planning, and problem-solving. They can guide you through every step of the process.
Yes, low vision can qualify for federal and Minnesota disability benefits if it meets medical criteria and prevents you from working or living independently. You need medical documentation and may need to meet income and work history requirements.
Gather medical records, check eligibility for SSI or SSDI, apply online or at a local office, and contact your county human services for Minnesota benefits. Disability Hub MN can help guide you through the process.
Waiver Reimagine is a Minnesota initiative to improve access to Medicaid waiver programs for people with disabilities. It makes it easier to describe needed services, increases choice, and expands self-direction options.
Children with low vision may qualify for SSI or as dependents on a parent’s Social Security record. If the disability began before age 22, they may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child benefits when they turn 18.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities whose condition began before age 46. It helps save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Income limits for Minnesota benefits are updated each July with the Social Security COLA. For 2025, the limits are higher than previous years. SSI has a federal income limit, while SSDI has no strict limit but restricts earnings.
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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In 2025, Minnesota reduced health insurance coverage for regular duty disabilities to five years, except for total and permanent disabilities, which still get coverage until age 65. State Patrol members are exempt from this change.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. SSI and SSDI have work incentives and trial work periods to help you transition back to work.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Minnesota human services agencies as soon as possible. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for instructions.
Disability Hub MN offers free expert help with disability benefits, including application assistance, benefits planning, and problem-solving. You can chat, call, or email them for support.
