If you are blind in Ohio, you may qualify for federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to blindness, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of legal blindness. Legal blindness means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. SSDI requires work credits, while SSI is based on financial need. Both programs have strict medical and financial criteria. For SSDI, you generally need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years. SSI eligibility depends on income and resources. Both programs are available to U.S. citizens and legal residents. [^1]
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month, which is higher than for non-blind individuals. This means blind beneficiaries can earn more before their benefits are affected. [^2]
In Ohio, people who are blind may qualify for additional state programs and services. The Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) helps determine medical eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. Ohio also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide support for independent living. County boards of developmental disabilities may provide services for children and adults with blindness. Legal advocacy is available through Disability Rights Ohio, which can help with issues related to representative payees and benefit protection. [^3][^4]
Ohio’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program helps blind Ohioans understand how work affects their benefits and plan for employment. The state also partners with the Social Security Administration to ensure quick processing of disability claims for people who are blind. [^5]
Ohio offers ABLE accounts, which allow people who are blind to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. Learn more about Ohio ABLE accounts and how to open one. [^14]
In 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month. This means blind beneficiaries can earn up to this amount before their SSDI or SSI benefits are affected. SSI has additional income and resource limits, which vary based on living situation and other factors. [^15]
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in reduced benefits or repayment. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments. [^16]
Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for help with your application and to learn about state-specific programs.
Legal blindness for Social Security benefits means 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 definition is used to determine eligibility for SSDI and SSI. [^17]
In 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month. Earning above this amount may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. SSI has additional income and resource limits. [^18]
Ohio offers Medicaid waivers, county board services, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA), and legal advocacy through Disability Rights Ohio. These programs provide support for independent living, employment, and benefit protection. [^19]
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. For state programs, contact your county board of developmental disabilities or the Ohio Department of Medicaid. [^20]
SSDI is based on work history and requires work credits, while SSI is based on financial need and does not require work credits. Both programs are available to people who are blind, but eligibility criteria differ. [^21]
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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Yes, Ohio offers work incentives that help people who are blind keep benefits while working. The SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month in 2025. Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) can help you plan for employment. [^22]
A Medicaid waiver provides home and community-based services for people who are blind, such as personal care, therapy, and support for independent living. Waivers help people live in their communities rather than institutions. [^23]
You must report changes in income or living situation to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in reduced benefits or repayment. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments. [^24]
An ABLE account allows people who are blind to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. [^25]
Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and protection for people who are blind, including help with issues related to representative payees and benefit protection. [^26]
