People who are blind in New Jersey can get federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state disability programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To get federal disability benefits for blindness, you must meet Social Security's definition of legal blindness. This means vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye, even with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses these rules for both SSDI and SSI. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit for blind people in 2025 is $2,590 per month. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get SSDI, but there are exceptions for work attempts and special circumstances[1].
In New Jersey, people who are blind may also qualify for state disability programs like Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI). TDI helps if you cannot work due to a serious health condition, including blindness. To qualify for TDI, you must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or earned $15,200 in the base year before your disability started. FLI helps if you need to care for a family member with a serious health condition, including blindness. Both programs require contributions from workers and employers. New Jersey also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services[3][4][5].
ABLE accounts let people with blindness save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. New Jersey offers the NJ ABLE program[6].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual. For SSDI, the SGA limit for blind people is $2,590 per month. For TDI and FLI, you must have earned at least $303 per week or $15,200 in the base year before your disability started[1][3][5].
If your income or situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and other agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits[6].
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 for free benefits counseling and help with work incentives[6].
Social Security defines blindness as vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye, even with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. This definition is used for both SSDI and SSI[1].
Yes, you can work and still get blindness benefits. The SGA limit for blind people in 2025 is $2,590 per month. There are also work incentives that help you keep benefits while working[1][6].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at Social Security. For TDI or FLI, apply through your employer or the state. For Medicaid, apply through NJ FamilyCare or your county social services agency[1][3][4][5].
The maximum weekly benefit for TDI in New Jersey in 2025 is $1,081. This amount is paid for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to blindness or another serious health condition[3][4][5].
Yes, you can get both SSDI and SSI if you meet the eligibility rules for both programs. SSDI is based on work credits, and SSI is based on low income and resources[1][6].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation[6].
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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Blindness can make you eligible for Medicaid, even if you have higher income or resources than usual. Medicaid can help pay for health care, home care, and other services[6].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and resources. Both programs have special rules for blindness[1][6].
Yes, New Jersey offers job training and support through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired[6].
If your income or situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and other agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties[6].
