Being legally blind or visually impaired not only poses physical and psychological challenges: it also can be financially burdensome.
In addition to direct costs — such as those associated with doctor visits, medications, nursing home care and guide dogs — there also are indirect costs, such as the inability to work and generate an income. Lack of income, combined with ongoing medical expenses, can cause financial difficulties to spiral out of control.
Fortunately, in some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can alleviate some of this financial strain. The Social Security Administration (SSA)offers two programs that people who are legally blind or visually impaired may qualify for:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The SSI program pays benefits based on financial need and is intended for low income individuals and families.
The Social Security Administration's Definition Of Legal Blindness
The SSA defines legal blindness (also called statutory blindness) as best corrected visual acuity
of 20/200 or worse in the better eye; or a visual field limitation such that the widest diameter of the visual field, in the better eye, is 20 degrees or less.
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will compare your condition with a listing of conditions known as the Social Security Blue Book. Legal blindness and visual impairments are covered under Section 2.00 of the Blue Book under "Special Senses and Speech."
Section 2.02 covers loss of visual acuity.
Section 2.03 covers contraction of the visual field.
Section 2.04 covers loss of visual efficiency.
The Blue Book listings appear on the Social Security Administration website, and they include information on which tests are used to measure visual acuity, visual field and visual efficiency.
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online at the SSA website or in person at your local Social Security office. When applying in person, make sure you bring copies of all your medical records related to your disability.
These records should include a history of your diagnoses, a history of your hospitalizations, the findings of physical and mental exams and a personal statement from your treating physicians about the limitations caused by your condition.
You will also need to bring your employment history and financial records.
When applying online, you may be able to submit your medical documentation electronically.
You will receive a decision regarding your disability claim within three to six months of the date of your application. If you are approved for benefits, your notice of award will provide information about receiving your first disability payment.
Filing A Disability Appeal
If you are denied benefits, you have 60 days to file an appeal. The first step in the appeals process is to submit a request for reconsideration.
If reconsideration is granted, a disability hearing is scheduled to determine if you are eligible for, and should be granted, disability benefits.
Seeking Help
If you find the application or appeal process too difficult, or if you are denied benefits, you can always contact a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate. These professionals can make sure your application is correct and complete; and if your case is denied, they can help you understand why and what you need to do to strengthen your case to overturn the SSA's decision.
Molly Clarke is a writer for Social Security Disability Help, a website owned by a for-profit marketing organization that offers its site visitors access to attorneys and advocates. All About Vision has no financial relationship with this marketing organization and cannot vouch for the accuracy of information found on its websites.
