MSA BASIS - BLIND
ISSUE DATE: 03/2026
MFIP, SNAP, GA, HSP:
No provisions.
MSA:
People who are blind have a basis of eligibility for MSA if they are SSI recipients OR would be eligible for SSI except for excess income. See 0002.07 (Glossary: Benefits…) for the definition of blindness. There is no age requirement for this basis.
People who are blind and age 65 or older or disabled, but ineligible for SSI because of excess income, may choose their MSA basis of eligibility. The basis may affect the disregards allowed from actual earned income. Help the client decide which basis is most advantageous. See 0013.09.03 (MSA Basis – Age 65 or Older), 0013.09.09 (MSA Basis – Disabled Age 18 and Older), 0018 (Determining Net Income).
Some people may be eligible for GA while awaiting a Social Security Administration (SSA) decision regarding their blindness.
PREVIOUS REVISIONS
| Date | Notes |
|---|---|
| 08/2023 | Updated clarification throughout |
| 09/2016 | update cross-references to 0012.12.06 (Special Services – Applying for Social Security) due to section title change. No policy was changed. |
| 12/2014 | Removed WB. This program was suspended 12/1/14. |
| 10/2012 | update Food Support and FS to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and FSET to SNAP E&T throughout. No policy was changed. |
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