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Nebraska • Sensory
People who are blind in Nebraska can qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs. Eligibility depends on medical proof, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what help is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits due to blindness in Nebraska, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. Blindness is defined as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You must prove your blindness prevents you from doing substantial work. You also need enough work credits for SSDI or low income for SSI. The disability must last at least 12 months or result in death. Even if your condition is not listed, you may qualify if it is equally severe. In 2025, earning more than $2,700 a month is considered substantial work for blind people and may affect eligibility [1].
In Nebraska, blind individuals may qualify for state disability programs if they are denied federal SSI because their disability is expected to last less than 12 months. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program provides cash and medical help to those determined blind or disabled by the state. Eligible people can live in their own home, assisted living, or other settings. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program also helps people with severe, chronic disabilities, including blindness, diagnosed by a licensed professional. These programs can help with living costs and services to support independence [4][6].
Federal programs for blindness in Nebraska include:
Nebraska offers these programs for blind residents:
ABLE accounts let people with blindness save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nebraska offers ABLE accounts through the state. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Learn more about Nebraska ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967. To qualify, your income and resources must be below SSA limits. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but earning more than $2,700 a month is considered substantial work for blind people and may affect eligibility. State programs like AABD and DPFS have their own income and resource rules [1][2][4].
You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact Nebraska Total Care or your local DHHS office for help with SSI, SSDI, or state disability applications. They can guide you through the process and answer questions.
Blindness is defined as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. This must be confirmed by a licensed medical professional [1].
Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSI is for low-income people, and SSDI is for those with enough work credits. You can get both if you qualify [1][2].
If your blindness is expected to last less than 12 months, you may not qualify for SSI. However, you may be eligible for Nebraska’s AABD program, which provides cash and medical help for short-term disabilities [4].
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment for a blind person is $967. Your actual payment may be less if you have other income or resources [2].
Blind people can use work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. These let you try work without losing benefits. In 2025, earning more than $2,700 a month is considered substantial work for blind people [3][7].
Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. If denied SSI, contact Nebraska DHHS for state programs like AABD or DPFS. You will need medical and financial documents [1][4][6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Services include cash help, medical coverage, and support for independent living. Programs like DPFS can help with authorized services up to $400 per month. Nebraska Total Care provides Medicaid for eligible blind people [4][6][2].
Yes, children with blindness may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the rules. Children who were getting benefits as a minor may continue to get them if they have a qualifying disability [7].
SSI is for low-income people with blindness, while SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both provide cash help, but the rules and payment amounts are different [internal_link: SSI vs SSDI].
Report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to SSA or Nebraska DHHS. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits correct [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
