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Mississippi • Sensory
If you are blind in Mississippi, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, provide financial support, and offer employment services.
If you are blind, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. For blindness, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has special rules: you must be unable to work for at least 12 months due to your disability. The monthly earnings limit for blindness is higher than for other disabilities—$2,260 in 2025. Family members may also qualify for benefits based on your work record. [^1][^2]
If you are blind, you may also qualify for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI, or immediately if you have ALS or end-stage renal disease. [^1][^2]
Mississippi does not offer a state disability cash benefit program for people who are blind. However, you may qualify for other state-based support. Mississippi’s Medicaid Waiver Programs provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including blindness. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids. [^3]
If you are blind and working, Mississippi’s Medicaid Working Disabled program may help you keep Medicaid coverage while earning income. [^4]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability expenses without losing public benefits like SSI or Medicaid. In Mississippi, you can open an ABLE account through the Mississippi ABLE Program. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology. [^4]
If your income or work status changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes. [^5]
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for help with applications, job training, and assistive devices.
Yes, if you are blind and meet the work credit requirements, you can get SSDI. The monthly earnings limit for blindness is $2,260 in 2025. You must be unable to work for at least 12 months due to your disability. [^1]
Yes, if you are blind and have limited income and resources, you can get SSI. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual. You must meet SSA’s definition of blindness. [^1]
No, Mississippi does not offer a state disability cash benefit program for people who are blind. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of disability aid. [^2]
Mississippi offers Medicaid Waiver Programs for people with disabilities, including blindness. These programs provide in-home care, medical assistance, and support services. [^3]
Yes, there are work incentives for blind people. You can work and earn up to $2,260 per month (2025) without losing SSDI. SSI has different rules, and you must report any changes in income. [^1]
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing public benefits. Mississippi offers ABLE accounts through the Mississippi ABLE Program. You can save up to $18,000 per year. [^4]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. For ABLE accounts, visit the Mississippi ABLE Program website. [^1][^3][^4]
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services offers financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids. Medicaid waivers may also cover some devices. [^3]
Yes, Mississippi’s Medicaid Working Disabled program helps people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working. The individual income limit is $6,587 per month (2025). [^4]
You must report any changes in income to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. [^5]
