Low Vision Benefits in Texas: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your low vision must be medically documented and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Your condition must significantly limit your ability to work or do daily activities.
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security.
• For SSI, your income and resources must be below federal limits.
• The SSA defines disability strictly: you cannot do your past work or adjust to other work because of your condition.
• If you are blind or have low vision, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is higher: $2,700/month in 2025 for blind individuals, $1,620/month for others.
• The SSA uses a 5-step process to decide if you qualify, including checking if your condition is listed in the Blue Book and if you can do other work.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualification, SSA Guide to Disability Benefits

• Texas follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI eligibility, so low vision must meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
• Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews all applications using the federal 5-step process.
• If you are blind or have low vision, you may qualify for higher SGA limits, which means you can earn more while keeping benefits.
• Texas does not have a separate state disability program, but you can get Medicaid waivers and other state services if you qualify for SSI or SSDI.
• Children with low vision may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low enough.
• Adults with low vision who became disabled before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s work record.

Sources: Texas Disability Benefits Guide, Texas Law Help SSDI

• Check if your low vision meets SSA criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• Consider hiring a disability lawyer for help.

Sources: SSA Apply for Benefits, Texas Law Help SSDI

• Step 1: Review Eligibility

  • Make sure your low vision is severe enough to meet SSA’s definition of disability.
  • Check if you have enough work credits for SSDI or if your income and resources are low enough for SSI.

• Step 2: Gather Documents

  • Collect medical records, doctor’s reports, and proof of income and resources.
  • If applying for SSDI, get your work history and Social Security number.

• Step 3: Apply

  • Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • Fill out the application carefully and include all required documents.

• Step 4: Wait for a Decision

  • Texas DDS will review your case and may ask for more information.
  • Most decisions take 3–6 months.

• Step 5: Appeal if Denied

  • If your application is denied, you have 60 days to appeal.
  • You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or review by the Appeals Council.

• Step 6: Get Help

  • Consider hiring a disability lawyer or advocate for help with your application or appeal.

Sources: SSA Apply for Benefits, Texas Law Help SSDI

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with low vision who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low vision who have limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people who get SSI or meet other criteria.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: For adults with low vision that began before age 22, based on a parent’s work record.

Sources: SSA Disability Programs, SSA Benefits for Children

• Texas does not have a separate state disability program, but you can get Medicaid waivers and other state services if you qualify for SSI or SSDI.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help with home and community-based services for people with low vision who need extra support.
• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Offers vocational rehab and job training for people with low vision.
• Texas Commission for the Blind (TCB): Provides services like orientation and mobility training, assistive technology, and job placement for people with low vision.
• Texas Health and Human Services (HHS): Administers Medicaid and other health programs for people with low vision.
• Children with low vision may qualify for Medicaid waivers and special education services.

Sources: Texas HHS, Texas Commission for the Blind, Texas Workforce Commission

• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with low vision who became disabled before age 26.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like assistive technology, education, and housing.
• Texas offers the ABLE Savings Program.

Sources: Texas ABLE Program, SSA ABLE Accounts

• SSI Income Limits (2025): $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples.
• Resource Limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples.
• SGA Limits: $1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind individuals.
• Student Income Exclusion: Students can exclude up to $2,350/month in earned income, capped at $9,460 annually.
• In-Kind Support: Free or reduced-cost housing may reduce SSI payments unless rent is at least $342.33/month.

Sources: SSA SSI Changes 2025, SSA SSI Rules

• Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it’s not your fault.
• Keep records of all payments and changes.
• Report changes online, by phone, or in person.

Sources: SSA Overpayments, Texas Law Help Overpayments

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri

  Website

  Apply for benefits, report changes, get help.
• Texas Commission for the Blind
  Phone: 1-800-833-3035

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8am–5pm, Mon–Fri

  Website

  Services for people with low vision and blindness.
• Texas Health and Human Services
  Phone: 2-1-1

  Hours: 24/7

  Website

  Medicaid, food, and health services.

• Can low vision qualify for disability benefits in Texas?

  Yes, low vision can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA criteria. Your condition must be severe, last at least 12 months, and limit your ability to work. Blindness has higher SGA limits.

• What is the SGA limit for low vision in Texas?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. If you earn above these amounts, you may not qualify for benefits.

• How do I apply for disability benefits with low vision in Texas?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Gather medical records and work history before applying.

• What state programs help Texans with low vision?

  Texas offers Medicaid waivers, vocational rehab through TWC, and services from the Texas Commission for the Blind. These programs help with home care, job training, and assistive technology.

• Can children with low vision get benefits in Texas?

  Yes, children with low vision may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low. They may also get Medicaid waivers and special education services.

• What is an ABLE account and can I get one in Texas?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with low vision who became disabled before age 26. Texas offers the ABLE Savings Program for eligible residents.