Can I Receive Social Security Benefits If I Am Blind?

 Posted on May 21, 2021 in Social Security disability

Life is difficult enough without having any illnesses or disabilities to deal with. Life can be even more difficult when you are blind or you have serious vision problems. Being able to see is a gift that many people do not realize how much they rely on until it is gone. Working or earning income can be extremely difficult for those who are blind. Thankfully, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides special benefits to people that meet the definition of blindness by the SSA’s standards. Those who are blind may qualify for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they meet certain requirements.

Who Does the SSA Consider to Be Blind?

Before you can claim benefits for a blindness disability, the SSA must determine that you are, in fact, blind. Under the SSA’s definition of blindness, a person’s vision must be 20/200 or worse in their better eye, even with vision correction. A person may also be considered blind if their field of vision is 20 degrees or less. Any type of blindness must also have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, though that time requirement does not apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Can Someone Who is Blind Work While Receiving Benefits?

Many people wonder if they can still work while they are receiving benefits for a disability. When it comes to those who are blind, you can still continue to claim benefits as long as their monthly income is less than the limit set by the SSA. Those who are blind can earn more each month than other disabled individuals while still remaining eligible for benefits. Rather than the limit of $1,350 that other disabled individuals are subject to, those who are blind can earn up to $2,260 in 2022 and still qualify for both SSDI and SSI.

Our Ozaukee County Social Security Disability Attorney is Here to Help

Just because a person is blind does not mean that they are helpless, but it can mean that they face more difficulties than a sighted person. If you are blind or you have other vision problems, you should discuss your options for Social Security disability benefits with a skilled Wisconsin Social Security disability lawyer. At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we can help you apply for disability benefits, as well as represent you in any appeals for denied applications, if necessary. To begin discussing your case, call our office today at 414-240-4801 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10052.pdf

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html