If you are blind in New Mexico, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and special waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits due to blindness, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your blindness must meet SSA’s definition. The SSA defines legal blindness as vision of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. The SGA limit for blind individuals is higher than for others, allowing you to earn more before benefits are affected[5][6].
For 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month[5][6].
In New Mexico, blindness can qualify you for additional state benefits and programs. You may be eligible for Medicaid, which covers medical care, including vision services. New Mexico also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those who are blind, to help with home and community-based services. If you lose SSI eligibility due to increased income, you may still qualify for up to two months of extended Medicaid coverage. The state also provides food assistance through SNAP, and special supplements for elderly or disabled households. New Mexico’s Health Care Authority manages these programs and can help you apply[3][4][2].
ABLE accounts allow people with blindness to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. New Mexico offers the ABLE NM program, which is easy to open and manage online[8].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and New Mexico agencies to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension. Always keep records of your income and medical reports, and report changes promptly[7].
Contact a local disability attorney or advocacy group for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and help you avoid mistakes.
For 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month. This means you can earn up to this amount and still receive SSDI or SSI benefits[5][6].
Yes, if you are blind and have low income, you can qualify for Medicaid in New Mexico. Medicaid covers medical care, including vision services, and can help with other needs[3].
SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs can provide monthly payments for blindness[1][6].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, or visit your local Social Security office. For Medicaid and SNAP, apply through the New Mexico Health Care Authority or Human Services Department[3][2].
Yes, blind people in New Mexico can get SNAP food benefits. Elderly or disabled SNAP households may also get a $100 state supplement each month[2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. New Mexico offers the ABLE NM program, which is easy to open online[8].
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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If your income increases, you must report it to the SSA. You may lose SSI eligibility, but you could get up to two months of extended Medicaid coverage in New Mexico[3].
Yes, children under 21 with blindness may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, and the Children’s Medical Services program in New Mexico[3].
The DD Waiver provides home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including blindness. It helps with daily living and community participation[4].
Report any changes in income or health to the SSA and New Mexico agencies. Keep records of your income and medical reports, and report changes promptly to avoid overpayments[7].
