Blind, Vision Impairment: Social Security Disability
If you are blind and unable to work you are subject to a unique set of rules established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are considered ‘legally blind’ you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. ‘Legally Blind’ is defined by the inability to correct your vision to better than 20/20 in your better eye, or if your field of vision is 20 degrees or less in your better eye.
You may still qualify for SSDI benefits even if you are not considered ‘legally blind’. If you are prevented from working because of your vision problems, or because of your vision combined with another medical condition, then call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our disability Advocates.
To be considered for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, blind claimants must have paid into the Social Security system for enough years, as well as have a monthly income of less that $1570 or not be currently working. Each year you pay Social Security taxes, you are earning credits towards future Social Security benefits. If you are legally blind, you can earn these credits at any time during your working career. If you do not have enough credits to qualify for benefits at the time you become blind, you can earn credits after that point, which may also count towards your eligibility. Also, if you do not have enough credits based solely on your earnings, you may use the earnings of a spouse or parent to help you qualify. If you have any questions about credits or eligibility, our Disability Advocates at Freedom will be more than happy to answer them. Contact us today at (866) 761-5942 for more information about qualifying for SSDI benefits.
Disability Freeze
If you are legally blind, but still able to work, there is a special rule, known as the Disability Freeze that may help you to receive higher disability and retirement benefits in the future. If your earnings are lower due to your blindness those working years can be excluded when calculating your Social Security disability or retirement benefits in the future. Your benefits will be higher because they are based on your average lifetime earnings. If those years of lower pay are excluded, your income during that period will not count towards your average lifetime earnings.
Receiving Benefits While Working
In order to make it easier for disabled people to receive benefits while they are still employed, Social Security uses work incentives. Blind beneficiaries are allowed to make up to $1570 per month in 2008 and still receive benefits, compared to disabled beneficiaries who are not blind and only allowed to make $940. However, these limits change each year so contact Freedom Disability at (866) 761-5942 for more information.
Beneficiaries Older Than 55
Blind Beneficiaries who are older than 55 and still able to work are evaluated differently than disabled beneficiaries who are not blind. If your work requires a lower level of skill and ability than your work before age 55, and at any point your monthly income exceeds $1570, cash payments are only suspended, not terminated. Subsequently, if your income drops below that point, payments will resume.
If you have any questions or feel that you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for more information. Our Advocates are experienced with ‘legally blind’ claimants and can help determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify, we can provide you with the assistance that you need to get the benefits that you deserve. If you have previously been denied benefits, but feel your condition makes you eligible, contact us today at (866) 761-5942.
The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.
i was wondering what willl happen with my ssi when i turn 18. i am 17 at the momment i had cancer when i was 2 and i lost my right eye..
Kristen,
When a child turns 18 the SSA follows the adult eligibility criteria and rules for determining SSI. You can find out more about these rules on the SSA Web site.
My son is 4 and has optic nerve hypoplasia, aphakia, among other things with his eyes. His best corrected acuity is 20/200 in his left eye.
This is a condition he has had since birth , would he qualify for anything ?
Angie,
If you have limited income resources you may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for your child if he meets the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria. You may want to check with your local Social Security office about that possibility as well as local social services to discuss programs that may be of help.
when i was 4yrs old i had a tumor on the optical nerve and lost my left eye..i tried to apply for SSI and i was denied because i am able to work and drive..how can i go about getting accepted for SSI or SSDI
I am 55 years old and I was told about 2 years ago that I have glaucoma. The eye doctor that told me this said that my glaucoma is so advanced that they could not perform laser surgery to correct my eyesight. He said I was considered legally blind. Social Security denied me, but can I do be accepted?
My mother is 74 but legally blind. Does she qualify for any disability benefits?
Hi Chrisy,
At 74, your mother should already be receiving Social Security benefits. Social Security Disability benefits are only available for those between 18-65 years of age. For those who are recieving Social Security Disability benefits, once they reach age 65, the Social Security Disability switches to your Social Security, or retirement benefits. Hope this helps.
I am in the boat healthwise. How can we get denied?
I HAVE BEEN BLIND IN MY RIGHT EYE SINCE BIRTH I AM NOW 45 YEARS OLD AND MY LEFT EYE IS GETTING WORSE ITS HERD TO SEE DETAILS EVEN WITH GLASSES IM WORKING NOW BUT HAVE NO INSURANCE AND CANNOT AFFORD A DOCTOR WHAT CAN I DO TO GET HELP WITH MY VISION
I became legally blind since the age of 25 & I’m getting SSI benefits. It goes up & down due to my husband income. So I had to get a part time job which makes it hard on me b/c I also stay sick alot. Is there a different type of disability I can get or something that don’t have to effect my husband income. Also I have a lot of med.’s that I am on & I don’t want to lose my Medicaid.
Hi Elizabeth,
Another type of benefit you may qualify for is Social Secuirty Disability. To qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Benefits) you would have needed to work at least 5 years full time out of the last 10 years. If you are currently working, you cannot work more than 20 hours a week or earn more than $1,000 a month to be eligible for SSDI benefits. If you meet these two conditions, I would encourage you to call us at 866-761-5942.This free consultation will also give you some guidance on what your next steps should be.
i was woundering if my dad which has just been told he is legally blind from the eye doctor and is 80 years old this year abd gets soicial secerity now ….if there are more benifits he can get or a raise on his ssi check from this…..because it is costing more to take care of him now….
The amount of Social Security benefits you receive is based off your past earned income which unfortunately means there is no way to increase this.
I have Occular Albinism. I have been legally blind since birth. I filed for SSDI on 1/07/2011 after being laid off from my full time position to part time. I was approved for SSDI on March 30th 2012, but SSA set my onset date December 31st 2011. I worked in 2011, earning 13000. My ubderstanding is that since my disability is due to blindness, I should have been able to earn 20000 or 1640 a month. I filed for reconsideratin on Aprill 11th. I called to check on the status of my claim, and SSA Temple office says that they can’t find my rreconsideration request! Can you help me with this so I can receive my back pay?
Hi Randall,
Once you are approved for SSDI benefits, unfortunately there is no way to appeal for more.
I think you meant to say “if the better seeing can not be corrected to 20/200.”
I am receiving ss disability due to kidney failure. I am blind in one eye and my vision is poor in the other. If the dr says I am legally blind, will that increase the amount of my benefits?
Linda,
Unfortunately no, you are currently receiving the maximum amount of benefits to date.
My husband has been diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma, He has lost his right eye, but has good vision in his left. Would he be able to get any type of disability?
Vicki,
If this condition is keeping him out of work, it might be a possibility. I would recommend him calling Freedom Disability and speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask him a few questions regarding his current health conditions and past work history to determine his eligibility for our assistance. I hope he gives us a call at 866-761-5942. Good luck.
My husband has been self employed for about 9 years and is 61 yrs old with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. He has been in the plumbing trade for 25 years. does not even have a high school degree and now has diabetic retinopathy, with low vision. can no longer pull sewer machines up and down steps. He still works some but admits that when driving sometimes he can’t tell if the light is red or green. what are his chances of getting disability?
Cynthia,
Medically this sounds like a very good case. You would have to be earning less than $1010/month and working less than 20 hrs/wk to apply. The only issues with self-employment is you would have to make sure you have paid enough in to have the credits to apply. I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942.
I recently had my left eye removed due to pain and vision lost i work full time but it is hard to do now can i receive some type of benefits
Melinda,
Freedom Disability may be able to assist you. I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942. Good luck.
I am 50 and just applied for ss disability. I have severe myopia, had right retina reattached to only 70percent of my already bad vision, and last year my left eyes vitreous has begun to detach/tear… and was told I cant drive anymore… which I was wondering how I drove this long… I also have ocular issues (hypertension)… I cant get a job, cant pass a typing test or see a computer like a normal person does. I have been out of work since my surgery 3 yrs ago. I worry I will be denied for disability. Any comments, suggestions, or support would be appreciated.
I have occular albinism since birth I am 53 and have never worked because I cant drive. I have been married 34 years. can I draw a dissability check?
Gina,
Unfortunately, because you have never worked you would not qualify for Social Security Disability. However, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). I recommend that you contact your local Social Security office and inquire about this benefit. Good luck!
my`nephew`cant`see`to`work`but`no`one`will`help`he`has`diabeties`and`we`just`need`a`little`help`for`him`please`help
Wanda,
With such little information I’m not sure Freedom Disability would be able to help your nephew. I recommend calling and speaking with one of our Eligibility Consultants they will be able to point you in the right direction even if we are unable to assist you. Please give us a call at 866-761-5942. I wish you both the best of luck.
72 yrs old now and legally blind recently. Took soc sec at 62 can my monthly soc sec check be raised? Thank you
Robert,
I’m sorry for hear that. Unfortunatly you are currently receiving the maximum amount possible.