Virginians with blindness can access federal and state benefits, including Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and disability payments for state government employees. This guide explains your options, eligibility, and how to apply for each program.
To qualify for SSDI blindness benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of legal blindness—vision no better than 20/200 in your better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You must also have paid enough into Social Security through work and meet the work credit requirements. For SSI, income and resource limits apply, and you must be blind according to federal standards[7]. SSI payments in 2025 are $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples, with no Virginia state supplement currently available[1]. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for people who are blind is higher than for other disabilities—projected to be $2,550/month in 2025, allowing you to earn more while keeping benefits[4].
Virginia uses the same definitions of blindness and other disabilities as the Social Security Administration for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. State Medicaid programs, including the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) pathway, serve residents with blindness who meet federal income and resource rules[6]. For state employees, the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) provides income protection if you can no longer work due to blindness, but you must be an active state employee and meet program requirements[3]. Virginia does not offer an SSI state supplement for blindness as of 2025, but you may qualify for Medicaid waivers based on your disability and support needs[2]. Eligibility for Medicaid waivers may involve being on a waitlist, so apply early.
Apply for SSI or SSDI online through Social Security or call your local office. For Medicaid (including ABD coverage), apply online at Virginia’s CommonHelp portal or contact your local Department of Social Services. To explore Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB). State employees should contact Alight to start a VSDP claim[3]. Keep medical records and proof of blindness ready for all applications.
SSI/SSDI for Blindness
Medicaid and ABD Coverage
Medicaid Waivers
VSDP for State Employees
For blindness, the main federal programs are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI provides monthly payments to low-income, resource-limited individuals who are blind; SSDI offers benefits to those with enough work credits. Both use the federal definition of legal blindness and require medical proof. The SGA limit for people who are blind is higher than for non-blind disabilities and is projected to rise in 2025[4]. Learn more about differences and eligibility in our SSI vs SSDI guide.
Other federal supports include the ABLE Act, which allows people with disabilities to save and invest while keeping eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefits.
Virginia administers Medicaid for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD), with eligibility determined by income and resource limits[6]. While Virginia does not supplement federal SSI payments for blindness, you may qualify for addition benefit pathways:
State-specific information on blindness programs is limited—start with Medicaid, your local CSB, and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services for more resources.
Virginia residents with blindness can open an ABLE account, letting you save and invest without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested programs. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
For SSI, strict income and resource limits apply—$2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple (2025). SSDI does not have these limits but does limit earnings—projected SGA for blindness is $2,550/month in 2025[4]. Medicaid also has income and resource limits, which vary by program and household size[6]. Always report changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
You must report any changes in income, living situation, or resources to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you’ll need to repay. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips on managing and reporting changes.
If you are legally blind, you can earn up to $2,550/month (projected 2025, higher than non-blind recipients) and still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)[4]. This makes it easier to work part-time or in supported employment while receiving benefits.
Medicaid waiver slots in Virginia may have long waitlists. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) as soon as possible to begin the process if you need home and community-based services[2].
The federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Virginia does not add a state supplement for blindness in 2025, so you receive only the federal amount[1].
If you are legally blind, you can earn more while keeping SSDI benefits. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for blindness is projected to rise to $2,550/month in 2025, much higher than the non-blind limit[4].
Yes, you may qualify for Medicaid even if you work, depending on your income and resources. Working while receiving Medicaid is possible, especially with the higher SGA for blindness[4][6].
Virginia does not have a waiver exclusively for blindness, but you may qualify for Developmental Disability waivers if you have additional support needs. Contact your local CSB for a needs assessment[2].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Gather medical proof of blindness, income/resource documents, and work history before you start[7].
ABLE accounts let Virginians with disabilities—including blindness—save and invest tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. See our [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) guide for details.
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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Tip: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Follow up regularly and report any change in income, resources, or living situation.
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to discuss waiver options, get on the waitlist, and complete an application. Waivers are not automatic and may require a needs assessment[2].
State employees with blindness may qualify for the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), which provides income protection and other supports if you cannot work due to disability[3].
No, having an ABLE account does not affect your eligibility for SSI or Medicaid as long as account balances and distributions follow program rules.
Notify Social Security and Medicaid immediately if your income, resources, or living situation changes. Not reporting can cause overpayments. Use our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) guide for more help.
