If you are blind in Utah, you may qualify for federal and state benefits to help with income, healthcare, and daily living. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits if you are blind, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of blindness. This means your vision is 20/200 or worse in your better eye, or your field of vision is 20 degrees or less. You must also meet work and income requirements for SSDI or SSI.
For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,700 per month, which is higher than for other disabilities. This means you can earn more and still qualify for benefits.
If you are blind and under 22, you may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits if your parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. You must be unmarried and have a qualifying disability that started before age 22.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://parmeledisability.com/blog/social-security/social-security-disability-changes-for-2025/)
In Utah, blindness is recognized as a qualifying disability for state programs and Medicaid. If you are blind, you may be eligible for Medicaid even if you work, as long as your SSI-countable income is below 250% of the federal poverty level and you have less than $15,000 in countable savings or property. You pay a monthly sliding-scale premium based on your income.
Utah also offers the Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) program, which allows you to keep Medicaid if you get paid for a formal or informal job. You must report any changes in income or resources right away.
If you are blind and under 18, your benefits may continue if you are a full-time student or have a qualifying disability. If you are over 18, you must meet the adult disability definition to continue receiving benefits.
[Source: Disability Law Center Utah, 2025](https://disabilitylawcenter.org/resources/disability-benefits-explainer/; https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://disabilitylawcenter.org/resources/disability-benefits-explainer/)
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://parmeledisability.com/blog/social-security/social-security-disability-changes-for-2025/)
[Source: Disability Law Center Utah, 2025](https://disabilitylawcenter.org/resources/disability-benefits-explainer/; https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)
ABLE accounts allow people who are blind to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year to an ABLE account. If you work and your employer doesn’t contribute to your retirement account, you can contribute up to $34,650 per year. ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
Source: Disability Law Center Utah, 2025
[Source: Disability Law Center Utah, 2025](https://disabilitylawcenter.org/resources/disability-benefits-explainer/; https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)
If your income or resources change, you must report it to SSA and Medicaid right away. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your income and resources.
[Source: Disability Law Center Utah, 2025](https://disabilitylawcenter.org/resources/disability-benefits-explainer/; https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)
Contact the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired for help with applications and support services.
For benefits, blindness means your vision is 20/200 or worse in your better eye, or your field of vision is 20 degrees or less. This is the same for federal and Utah programs.
Yes, you can work and still get benefits. The SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,700 per month in 2025. You can also keep Medicaid if you work, under certain conditions.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
The Medicaid Work Incentive program allows you to keep Medicaid if you get paid for a formal or informal job. You must have SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level and less than $15,000 in countable savings or property.
Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year, or $34,650 if you work and your employer doesn’t contribute to your retirement account.
When you turn 18, Social Security uses the adult disability definition to decide if you can keep receiving benefits. If you are blind, you must meet the adult definition to continue receiving benefits.
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, if you are blind and under 22, you may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits if your parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. You must be unmarried and have a qualifying disability that started before age 22.
The SGA limit for blind individuals in 2025 is $2,700 per month. This means you can earn more and still qualify for benefits.
You must report changes in income or resources to SSA and Medicaid right away. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
In 2025, you must have SSI-countable income below 100% of the federal poverty level and less than $2,000 in countable resources to qualify for Medicaid. If you work, you can have up to $15,000 in countable savings or property and still keep Medicaid under the Medicaid Work Incentive program.
