Montana residents with low vision have access to federal and state benefits for health care, income support, and employment. Programs like SSI, SSDI, Montana Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation can help you stay independent and secure. This guide explains what’s available, how to apply, and where to find help.
If your vision is significantly impaired and affects your ability to work, you may qualify for federal disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two main programs: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). SSI is for lower-income people with limited work history, while SSDI covers those with enough credits earned by working. For SSDI, generally you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your low vision disability began[5]. To qualify under SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Section 2.00), your vision loss must meet specific medical criteria or prevent you from working at a substantial gainful level for at least 12 months[5]. Low vision does not have to be total blindness—significant impairment may be enough.
Montana uses the same federal standards for SSI and SSDI eligibility, with local Disability Determination Services (DDS) making the medical decision for the SSA[2]. In Montana, Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible people with disabilities, including sensory conditions like low vision[1]. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) lets Montanans with vision loss earn income and stay eligible for Medicaid—you ‘buy-in’ with a monthly premium based on a sliding scale[3]. Eligibility for Montana Medicaid and MWD increases with income, but you should contact your local Office of Public Assistance to check your status[3]. For students or job seekers, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps people with low vision train, find jobs, and get workplace accommodations, no matter where you live in the state[1].
To apply for SSI/SSDI, start at the SSA website or call your local Social Security office. For Montana Medicaid, visit your local Office of Public Assistance. Vocational Rehabilitation applications are online or by calling your regional VR office. For quick access to community resources, contact the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or Disability Rights Montana[1].
The main federal programs for people with low vision in Montana are:
Montana offers important state programs for low vision:
Note: Montana does not have a specific low vision waiver, but waiver services may be available through general disability waivers—ask your Medicaid office.
Montana residents can open an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025) without affecting SSI asset limits, as long as total balances stay under $100,000. These accounts are valuable for covering assistive tech, transportation, and housing related to low vision. Visit the Montana DPHHS or ABLE National Resource Center for details.
For SSI, monthly income limits are set by federal law and are lower if you have unearned income. SSDI income limits are higher, but after earning above a certain amount, work incentives may allow you to still receive benefits. Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities expands access but uses a sliding fee scale—ask your local Office of Public Assistance to check your income against current limits[3]. Use our <a href='/tools/ssi-income-estimator'>SSI Income Estimator</a> for a quick check.
Report all income changes to Social Security, Medicaid, or VR right away. Overpayments can occur if your income increases but you don’t report it. Montana and federal law require repayments, but you can appeal and request a payment plan. For details, see our <a href='/guides/overpayments-and-reporting'>Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> guide.
Even if your vision loss isn’t total, you may qualify for Montana disability services. Assistive technology, counseling, job coaching, and Medicaid are available. Start with your local Office of Public Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation office, or the Aging and Disability Resource Center to connect with services that can help you live independently.
Yes, if your vision loss is severe enough to affect your ability to work, you may qualify for benefits under both Montana and federal rules[2][5]. You do not have to be completely blind—significant vision impairment may be enough. A doctor must provide medical evidence for your claim.
Yes, Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities lets you earn money without losing Medicaid if you pay a monthly premium based on income[3]. SSI and SSDI also have work incentives—ask Social Security about rules like Ticket to Work so your benefits aren’t affected right away.
Apply at your local Office of Public Assistance or online via the Montana DPHHS website. If you work, also ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which is designed for people with disabilities who are employed[3].
Montana Vocational Rehabilitation assists with school-to-work transition, adaptive tech, and job training. Contact your regional VR office for help with education, employment, and accommodations. DEAP may also refer children to vision resources.
Montana itself does not offer specific low vision tech grants, but local providers may help. Some national and nonprofit sources offer small grants for adaptive devices—check with Disability Rights Montana and ADRC for local referrals[1].
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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SSI is for people with limited income/assets, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both require your low vision to meet federal disability standards. For more, see <a href='/guides/ssi-ssdi'>SSI vs SSDI</a>.
Yes, you can open an ABLE account and save up to $17,000 per year without affecting your SSI asset limit. These accounts are for disability-related expenses, such as assistive tech or transportation.
Disability Rights Montana offers advocacy, and Montana Legal Services Association provides free legal help for low-income Montanans. Local Social Security offices can help with SSI/SSDI forms, and your Office of Public Assistance can help with Medicaid[1].
Family caregivers may use Montana Medicaid for in-home services if the person they care for qualifies. There are state Medicaid waivers—ask your local Office of Public Assistance for details.
Contact the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for referrals to local vision specialists, support groups, and transportation services. Their database connects you to resources in your community[1].
