Low Vision Benefits in Vermont: Your 2025 Guide

People with low vision may qualify for federal benefits if their vision loss is severe enough to meet disability criteria. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your vision must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. SSI is for people of any age who are blind or have disabilities. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and usually your car are not counted. You must live in the U.S. and apply for all other benefits you may be eligible for[3][4].

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You do not need low income, but your vision must meet the disability standard. SSDI may pay benefits to family members as well[4].

In Vermont, people with disabilities—including low vision—may have relaxed rules for some benefits. For example, 3SquaresVT (SNAP) does not require you to meet income limits if everyone in your household receives disability benefits. There may be no resource test, so owning a car or house or having savings does not disqualify you. If you have out-of-pocket medical costs, you may get a higher monthly benefit. Medical costs include things like prescriptions, medical supplies, and home health aid[1].

Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care and support. Paid family and medical leave is expanding in Vermont, with coverage starting for private sector workers in 2024 and expanding to individuals in 2025[2].

• Check if your vision meets Social Security’s disability criteria.
• Gather proof of income, resources, and medical records.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for 3SquaresVT and Medicaid waivers through Vermont’s Department for Children and Families.
• Contact Legal Services Vermont for help with applications or appeals[5].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI. You can use the Social Security website or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the process[4].
• Step 2: Gather documents: proof of identity, income, resources, and medical records showing your vision loss.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. A representative will help you complete the application[4].
• Step 4: Apply for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) through Vermont’s Department for Children and Families. You can apply online or in person. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not need to meet income limits[1].
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. Contact Vermont’s Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living for details[5].
• Step 6: If you need help, contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047. They can help with applications, appeals, and understanding your rights[5].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for people with low income and resources who are blind or have disabilities. As of 2025, SSI pays up to $1,022.68 per month for an eligible person living independently in Vermont[4].
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash for adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You do not need low income, but your vision must meet the disability standard[4].
• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Federal food assistance. Vermonters with disabilities may have relaxed income and asset rules[1].

• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Vermont’s food assistance program. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not need to meet income limits. There may be no resource test. You may get a higher benefit if you have out-of-pocket medical costs[1].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Vermont offers waivers for home and community-based services. These can help with long-term care, personal care, and support for people with disabilities[5].
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Vermont is launching a voluntary paid family and medical leave program. Coverage starts for private sector workers in 2024 and expands to individuals in 2025[2].
• Developmental Disability Services: Vermont provides services for people with developmental disabilities, including low vision. You can get help with applications, appeals, and understanding your rights[5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Vermont offers ABLE accounts. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, like education, housing, and transportation[5].

For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and usually your car are not counted. For 3SquaresVT, Vermonters with disabilities may not need to meet income limits if everyone in the household gets disability benefits[1][3][4].

If your income or resources change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. For SSI, report changes within 10 days of the month after they happen. For 3SquaresVT, report changes as soon as possible. Overpayments can be repaid in installments or waived in some cases[4].

• Legal Services Vermont
  Phone: 1-800-889-2047

  Website

  Help with applications, appeals, and understanding your rights for disability benefits.
• Vermont Communication Support Project
  Phone: 1-888-686-8277

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Free help for people with disabilities in court and administrative hearings.

• Can I get SSI if I have low vision in Vermont?

  Yes, if your vision loss meets Social Security’s disability criteria and you have limited income and resources. SSI is for people of any age who are blind or have disabilities. You must apply and provide medical proof of your vision loss[3][4].

• Do I need low income for SSDI with low vision?

  No, SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid, not income. You must meet the disability standard for vision loss. SSDI may pay benefits to family members as well[4].

• How does 3SquaresVT work for Vermonters with low vision?

  If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not need to meet income limits for 3SquaresVT. There may be no resource test. You may get a higher benefit if you have out-of-pocket medical costs[1].

• What are Medicaid waivers for low vision in Vermont?

  Medicaid waivers in Vermont help people with disabilities get home and community-based services. These can include personal care, support, and long-term care. Contact Vermont’s Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living for details[5].

• Can I save money in an ABLE account with low vision?

  Yes, ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Vermont offers ABLE accounts for qualified disability expenses[5].

• How do I report changes to my SSI or 3SquaresVT benefits?

  Report changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments. For SSI, report within 10 days of the month after the change. For 3SquaresVT, report as soon as possible. Overpayments can be repaid in installments or waived in some cases[4].