People with low vision in Mississippi can access federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs for assistive devices, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Mississippi, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits—usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a formal disability determination by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Mississippi’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). Low vision must meet SSA’s criteria for legal blindness or significant visual impairment that limits daily activities and work ability [1].
If you are blind, the monthly earnings limit for substantial gainful activity (SGA) is $2,260 in 2024. If you are not blind, the limit is $1,350. Earning above these amounts may affect eligibility [2].
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash benefits for people with disabilities. The main state support comes through Medicaid waivers, which can provide home and community-based services for people with physical or developmental disabilities, including those with low vision. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers assistive devices like magnifiers, screen readers, and training for independent living. ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid, with a maximum yearly contribution of $19,000 in 2025 and a total account limit of $235,000. SSI benefits are suspended if the ABLE account exceeds $100,000, but other benefits are not affected [3].
Medicaid income limits for people with disabilities in Mississippi are $6,587 per month for an individual and $8,879 per month for a couple in 2025 [4].
ABLE accounts in Mississippi let people with low vision save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Anyone can contribute up to $19,000 per year in 2025. If you work, you can contribute an additional amount up to your income or the federal poverty level, whichever is less. The total account limit is $235,000. SSI benefits are suspended if the account exceeds $100,000, but other benefits are not affected. Contributions may qualify for a state tax deduction [9].
In Mississippi, the monthly income limit for Medicaid for people with disabilities is $6,587 for an individual and $8,879 for a couple in 2025. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. ABLE accounts do not count toward these limits, but SSI benefits are suspended if the account exceeds $100,000 [10].
If your income, resources, or medical condition changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSA’s online portal or call to report changes. For Medicaid, report changes through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid online portal or by phone [11].
Contact the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for free assistance with applications, assistive devices, and employment support.
People with low vision in Mississippi can apply for SSDI and SSI. SSDI is based on work history, SSI is for those with limited income. Both require a formal disability determination by the SSA and Mississippi’s DDS [1].
No, Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash benefits for people with disabilities. The main state support is through Medicaid waivers and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services [2].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You will need medical records showing your low vision diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and work. The application will be sent to Mississippi’s DDS for review [3].
An ABLE account lets people with low vision save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Contributions are tax-advantaged, and the account can be used for things like vision aids, training, and transportation [4].
Medicaid in Mississippi can cover vision aids, home care, and other services for people with low vision. Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services, including assistive devices and personal care [5].
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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For SSDI, the monthly earnings limit for substantial gainful activity is $1,350 if not blind, $2,260 if blind. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Earning above these amounts may affect eligibility [6].
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services offers assistive devices like magnifiers, screen readers, and training for independent living. Medicaid may also cover vision aids and home modifications [7].
Report changes to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Use the SSA’s online portal or call to report changes. For Medicaid, report changes through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid online portal or by phone [8].
Yes, you can work and still receive disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSDI, the monthly earnings limit is $1,350 if not blind, $2,260 if blind. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Earning above these amounts may affect eligibility [9].
The monthly income limit for Medicaid for people with low vision in Mississippi is $6,587 for an individual and $8,879 for a couple in 2025. These limits are subject to change, so check with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for updates [10].
