Money and benefits

• If you are statutorily blind (20/200 or less in your better eye with glasses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less), Social Security uses a higher earnings limit: in 2026 you can earn up to $2,830 a month and keep SSDI. The limit for others is $1,690.
• SSI pays up to $994 a month for one person in 2026.
• Working while on benefits? See Benefits and work on Employment Atlas.

• Social Security will send notices in braille, large print, audio CD, or a Word file, or call you to read them. Ask at ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
• Medicare also sends materials in braille, large print, and audio. Call 800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048).

An ABLE account lets you save without losing SSI or Medicaid if your disability began before age 46. See ABLE accounts on Employment Atlas.

Blind taxpayers get a larger standard deduction. For tax year 2026 the extra amount is $2,050 for single or head of household filers, and $1,650 for each blind spouse if married. Ask a tax preparer or free tax help site.

Braille, large print, and audio materials for blind people, and letters a blind person writes in those formats, can be mailed free. Mark them "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped." Ask your post office.