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New Mexico • Sensory
People with Deaf-Blindness in New Mexico can access federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, state Medicaid waivers, and food assistance. Eligibility depends on medical status, work history, and income. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in New Mexico, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Deaf-Blindness is considered a qualifying disability if it severely limits your ability to work or live independently. The condition must last at least one year or result in death. In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals. The SSA uses the Blue Book to list qualifying conditions, including sensory impairments like Deaf-Blindness.
Source: Parmele Disability, 2025
In New Mexico, people with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for state-specific programs in addition to federal benefits. The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver provides services and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which can include Deaf-Blindness. This waiver helps people live in the community instead of institutions. Eligibility is based on a diagnosis of IDD and functional limitations. The Health Care Authority manages the DD Waiver and other Medicaid waivers. New Mexico also offers state-funded food benefits for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities when federal SNAP benefits are disrupted. The State Disability Policy provides financial aid to state employees who can’t work due to sickness or injury, but not for dependents.
Start here: SSA.gov
Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025
ABLE accounts let New Mexicans with disabilities save money without losing benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, visit the ABLE National Resource Center or your state’s ABLE program website.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center, 2025
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. New Mexico may have higher limits for Medicaid and other state programs. The SGA limit for SSDI is expected to be $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals. Exceeding these limits can affect your benefits.
Source: Parmele Disability, 2025
You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid and SNAP, report changes to the NM Human Services Department. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Contact a disability attorney or advocate for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and help you appeal if needed.
People with Deaf-Blindness in New Mexico can apply for SSDI if they have enough work credits, or SSI if they have limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof of disability. Medicaid and Medicare may also be available.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income or work history. The process can take several months.
The DD Waiver provides services and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness. It helps people live in the community instead of institutions. Contact the NM Health Care Authority for more info.
Yes, you may qualify for SNAP or state-funded food benefits if you have low income. Elderly or disabled households may get extra benefits. Apply through the NM Human Services Department.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year for qualified disability expenses. Open an account through the ABLE National Resource Center.
Yes, you must report changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current information.
State employees with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for the State Disability Policy. This provides financial aid if you can’t work due to sickness or injury and have paid premiums for 12 months.
Yes, SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. These include trial work periods and continued Medicaid coverage. See the SSA’s work incentives guide for details.
The approval process can take several months. It depends on how quickly the SSA gets your medical records and completes their review. You may get a decision in 3–6 months, but some cases take longer.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. You may want to get help from a disability attorney or advocate.
