People with deaf-blindness in Ohio can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for Ohio residents.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with deaf-blindness, you must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Deaf-blindness is listed in SSA's Blue Book under special senses and speech (Section 2.00) and special senses and speech, combined impairments (Section 2.11). You must provide medical evidence showing your hearing and vision loss meet SSA's criteria. For SSI, you must also meet income and resource limits. For SSDI, you must have a qualifying work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Children with deaf-blindness may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA's requirements. [^1]
Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is receiving retirement or disability benefits or is deceased. The DAC must be unmarried and have a qualifying disability that started before age 22. In 2025, substantial earnings are defined as working and earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind). [^1]
In Ohio, people with deaf-blindness can access additional state programs and supports. The Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) helps Ohioans apply for and manage Social Security disability benefits. OOD staff can assist with the application process and provide information on work incentives and other supports. Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities provide assessment, service planning, and coordination for adults and children with developmental disabilities, including those with deaf-blindness. Enrolling in a home and community-based services waiver can provide access to person-centered services for those who qualify. Ohio also has legal advocacy through Disability Rights Ohio, which can help protect beneficiaries who use a representative payee. [^2][^3][^4]
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Ohio offers the STABLE Account, which is Ohio's ABLE program. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services. [^4]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Ohio may have additional state supplements. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot have substantial earnings. In 2025, substantial earnings are defined as working and earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind). [^1][^5]
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. [^4]
Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for help with your application and to learn about work incentives and other supports.
Deaf-blindness is a combination of hearing and vision loss that affects communication, mobility, and access to information. It can be congenital or acquired and varies in severity.
You must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, which means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must provide medical evidence showing your hearing and vision loss meet SSA's criteria.
You will need medical records, audiograms, vision exams, doctor's reports, and proof of income and resources. You may also need to provide information about your work history.
Yes, children with deaf-blindness may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition meets SSA's requirements. Children who were receiving benefits as a minor child on a parent’s Social Security record may be eligible to continue receiving benefits on that parent’s record upon reaching age 18 if they have a qualifying disability.
A Medicaid waiver is a program that provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities. In Ohio, you can apply through your county board of developmental disabilities. Waivers help people with disabilities live in their communities rather than institutions.
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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Work incentives help people with disabilities keep benefits while working. Programs like the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) provide support and guidance on how work affects your benefits.
A representative payee is someone who receives and manages Social Security benefits for a person who is not fully capable of managing their own benefits. You can request a representative payee when you apply for benefits or if you need help managing your benefits.
Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection for people with disabilities, including oversight of representative payees. They can help if you have concerns about your payee or if your rights are being violated.
You can apply for an ABLE account through Ohio's STABLE Account program. Visit the STABLE Account website or contact Ohio DB101 for more information.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) or Disability Rights Ohio for help with the appeals process.
