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Washington • Sensory
People who are blind in Washington can qualify for federal disability programs like SSDI and SSI, plus state supplements and Medicaid. Eligibility depends on work history, income, and medical documentation. The application process is managed by the Social Security Administration and Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services.
To qualify for federal disability benefits due to blindness, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for all disabilities, but the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold for blind individuals is higher than for others. In 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,590 per month, compared to $1,550 for non-blind individuals. If your earnings are above this threshold, you are generally not eligible for benefits, regardless of your medical condition[1].
For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through employment covered by Social Security. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled, but most applicants need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled[1][3]. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your condition meets the SSA’s criteria for disability, including significant limitations on your ability to work[3].
Washington State offers additional support for people who are blind through the State Supplement Program (SSP), which provides extra monthly payments to SSI recipients. The SSP helps bridge the gap between federal SSI payments and the cost of living in Washington. As of 2025, the basic monthly SSI payment is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, but the SSP can increase this amount for eligible recipients[4].
Washington also provides Medicaid (Apple Health) and Medicaid waivers for people who are blind, which can cover medical care, assistive devices, and other services. The state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees, including those with blindness-related medical needs[5][10].
The Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program is available for some of the state’s poorest residents, but recipients may still be required to pay back ABD benefits if they later qualify for federal disability payments, depending on the timing of their application[2].
ABLE accounts allow people who are blind to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other means-tested benefits. Contributions to ABLE accounts are not counted as income or resources for SSI and Medicaid eligibility. The funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology[3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s State Supplement Program (SSP) may increase this amount for eligible recipients. The SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,590 per month. Earnings above this threshold generally disqualify you from benefits, but unsuccessful work attempts lasting less than six months due to your disability do not count against you[1][4].
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to SSA and DSHS to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility. If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay it, but you can request a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault and you cannot afford to repay it[9].
Contact Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or a local Social Security office for assistance with your application. You can also consult with a disability lawyer or advocate for personalized support.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for blind individuals in 2025 is $2,590 per month. If your earnings are above this threshold, you are generally not eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits, regardless of your medical condition[1].
Yes, you can work and still receive benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Social Security allows for unsuccessful work attempts lasting less than six months due to your disability, which do not count against your eligibility[1][9].
The SSP provides additional monthly payments to SSI recipients in Washington. The amount varies based on your income and living situation, helping to bridge the gap between federal SSI payments and the cost of living in the state[4].
You can apply for federal benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. For state benefits, submit an application to Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for SSP, Medicaid, and other programs[1][4][7].
You will need medical records and a doctor’s statement confirming your blindness. The documentation should show that your condition prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized assistance.
Yes, Social Security offers work incentives, including a trial work period of at least 9 months where you can earn more than the SGA limit and still receive full disability payments. After the trial period, you can continue to receive benefits for a limited time if your earnings are below the SGA limit[9].
The ABD program provides cash assistance to some of the state’s poorest residents, including those who are blind. Recipients may be required to pay back ABD benefits if they later qualify for federal disability payments, depending on the timing of their application[2].
Yes, you can receive both SSDI and SSI if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is based on income and resources[3].
The maximum weekly benefit for Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program in 2025 is $1,542. This program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees, including those with blindness-related medical needs[5][10].
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to SSA and DSHS to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person[9].
