​Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and later became disabled.
Key points:
  • You must have earned enough "work credits" to qualify.
  • If you are legally blind, you may be eligible under more lenient rules.
  • Work credits can be earned before or after the onset of blindness.
  • Benefits may also be available based on the earnings record of a spouse or parent (especially for dependents or adult children with disabilities).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides monthly payments to individuals who are:
  • Aged (65+), blind, or disabled;
  • Have limited income and resources;
  • Are U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
SSI is need-based, unlike SSDI, and is funded through general tax revenues, not payroll taxes.
State supplements may increase monthly benefit amounts, and some states automatically qualify SSI recipients for Medicaid.

Legal Definition of Blindness (SSA & IRS)

You may qualify for benefits or tax deductions if:
  • Your best-corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in your better eye; or
  • Your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye.
This definition is used for:
  • Social Security disability programs
  • Federal tax benefits

​Tax Benefits for Individuals Who Are Blind

​People who meet the legal definition of blindness may qualify for:
  • An increased standard deduction on federal income tax returns;
  • Eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC);
  • Additional deductions or credits depending on other qualifying factors.
Use tax software or consult a tax advisor for help claiming all applicable benefits.
Resource: TurboTax Tax Tips for the Blind or Disabled

Other Financial Resources & Assistance

​State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
Each state operates a VR agency to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or retain employment. Services may include:
  • Training and education
  • Assistive technology
  • Job placement
  • Transportation assistance
Find your state VR agency: RSA Directory of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
ABLE Accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience)
Allows eligible individuals with disabilities to:
  • Save up to $17,000/year (2024 limit) in a tax-advantaged account;
  • Use funds for qualified disability expenses (education, housing, health, etc.);
  • Maintain SSI eligibility (up to $100,000 in ABLE savings exempt from resource limits).
Learn more: ABLE National Resource Center
Grants and Scholarships
Many organizations offer grants and scholarships for blind or visually impaired students:
  • National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
  • American Council of the Blind (ACB)
  • Lighthouse Guild
  • State schools for the blind or local foundations
See: NFB Scholarships, Lighthouse Guild Scholarships

​Tips for Families Seeking Financial Help

  • Contact your state’s Department of Blind Services or equivalent agency for local programs.
  • Connect with parent support networks (such as NOPBC and FamilyConnect) to share ideas and resources.
  • Consider working with a social worker or disability benefits specialist for individualized guidance.

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