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Montana • Sensory
Montana offers special benefits and supports for people who are blind, including federal programs like Social Security (SSI/SSDI) and state Medicaid options. This guide covers Montana's programs, how to apply, and tips for managing your benefits and health while maintaining independence and employment.
To qualify for federal disability benefits due to blindness, you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of legal blindness: vision worse than 20/200 in your better eye with correction or a field of vision less than 20 degrees. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), strict income and resource limits apply. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough in jobs covered by Social Security and have a condition—like blindness—that meets SSA criteria. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but you must no longer be doing “substantial gainful activity” when you apply[4].
Montana's Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical eligibility for SSI and SSDI using federal rules, but Montana Medicaid has its own pathways. If you are blind and work, Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) lets you “buy into” Medicaid by paying a premium based on your income. This program helps Montanans with disabilities keep health coverage even if their earnings would normally make them ineligible for Medicaid. Montana also has programs that can help with vision-specific supports, but most specialized resources are managed through national nonprofits or federal agencies. For state-specific Medicaid waivers and supports, visit your local Office of Public Assistance for a personal eligibility review[2].
Start by contacting your local Social Security office to apply for SSI or SSDI. Gather medical records showing your blindness diagnosis. For Montana Medicaid, visit your Office of Public Assistance. If you work and want to keep Medicaid, ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program. For extra help, contact Montana Disability Determination Services or a local independent living center.
The main federal benefits for blindness are SSI (needs-based, strict income/resource limits) and SSDI (based on work credits and not directly income-limited). Both require meeting the SSA's official blindness criteria. SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid, and SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. The Ticket to Work program offers employment support without losing benefits. There are also grants available nationally for adaptive technology and home modifications[4][5].
Montana Disability Determination Services reviews SSI/SSDI claims locally using federal rules[1]. For health insurance, Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) is unique to Montana, allowing people who are blind (and working) to pay a sliding-scale premium and keep Medicaid—even if their income would normally disqualify them[2]. The program was created by state law (SB 119) and started in 2010. Montana’s Office of Public Assistance determines Medicaid eligibility and can screen for other state supports like in-home services, though specialized blindness programs are limited compared to larger states—most vision-specific supports are accessed through national organizations. Consider an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility.
Montana offers ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience), which let you and your family save for disability-related expenses, such as adaptive technology or training. Money in an ABLE account (up to $100,000) does not count toward SSI resource limits. You can only open an ABLE account if your blindness onset was before age 26.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit for individuals is $1,913/month, with a $2,000 resource limit. Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities has no upper income cutoff—instead, you pay a monthly premium based on your income. Traditional Medicaid has its own income limits. Always report changes in earnings or resources to avoid overpayments.
If you receive too much in benefits by mistake, you may have to pay it back. To avoid overpayments, promptly report changes in income, employment, living situation, or medical status. The SSA and Montana Medicaid have different reporting rules, so check each program’s requirements. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details.
Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) lets you keep health coverage while working—no matter your income. You pay a premium based on what you earn, so you don’t have to choose between a job and healthcare[2].
Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) and your local Office of Public Assistance can help you apply for benefits and understand your options. Don’t hesitate to ask for a benefits counselor if you need one[1].
SSI is for people with low income and few resources; SSDI is based on work history. Both require meeting the SSA’s blindness definition. Montana DDS reviews both using federal rules[1][4].
Yes, through Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD), you can keep Medicaid by paying a premium based on your income, no matter how much you earn[2].
Apply at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office. Gather medical proof of your blindness. Montana DDS will review your case[1][4].
Montana offers MWD for working people with disabilities, but most specialized blindness services are through national organizations. Contact your Office of Public Assistance for help[2].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting SSI. You can open one if your blindness started before age 26.
Report any changes in income, work, or resources to both SSA and Montana Medicaid. Timely reporting avoids overpayments.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and doesn't replace official advice. Check with agencies for the latest rules.
You can appeal. Contact Montana DDS or a benefits counselor for help with the process[1].
Grants for adaptive tech may be available through national programs; check federal and nonprofit resources[5].
SSDI leads to Medicare after 24 months. SSI recipients usually get Medicaid right away. See our **Medicaid vs Medicare** guide for details.
Contact Montana DDS, your local Social Security office, or the Office of Public Assistance for personalized support[1][2].
