Federal and State Benefits for the Legally Blind
- Social Security Disability Income. Social Security Disability Income offers monthly benefits if you meet the definition of legally blind.
- Supplemental Security Income. Supplemental Security Income is available to people who do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
- State Agencies. ...
- Federal Tax Breaks. ...
Full Answer
Where can you get help for being legally blind?
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).
What is the difference between legally blind and just blind?
There are four terms used to describe different levels of vision impairment and blindness:
- Partially Sighted – This means a person has partial vision, either in one or both eyes.
- Low Vision – This refers to a severe visual impairment in which visual acuity is 20/70 or poorer. ...
- Legally Blind- This means a person has a corrected vision of 20/200 in their best-seeing eye.
- Totally Blind- This refers to a complete loss of sight.
Can I get disability benefits for legal blindness?
Legal blindness automatically qualifies you for disability benefits, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have such a clear-cut definition of when partially blind applicants are eligible. Use the following tips to improve your chances of receiving an approval for Social Security Disability (SSD).
How blind do you have to be legally blind?
You are considered legally blind if testing determines a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You may hear this referred to as tunnel vision. People who are legally blind are often eligible for special services and assistance. The U.S. Social Security Administration provides benefits to those who are legally blind.
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...
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...
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...
Legally Blind And Want Advice On Jobs For Visually Impaired : Blind
Posted: I am totally blind and have done lots of different jobs in childcare, supporting adults with developmental disabilities and office admin work. I currently work providing support to blind kids and their families. It seems like you are on the right track by applying for jobs you are interested in and qualified for.
What Does This Mean To The Sighted Community
When you meet your vision impaired friend please introduce yourself as if you had called her on the telephone.
Blindness And Vision Impairments In The Workplace And The Ada
Posted: The Americans with Disabilities Act , which was amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 , is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Specific Records That The Ssa Requires For Visually Impaired And Blind Applicants May Include
Snellen method or similar visual acuity tests: measures how well a patient can see objects based on distance and location in relation to the central field of vision
Facts About Low Vision
Most surveys and studies indicate that the majority of people in the United States with vision loss are adults who are not totally blind instead, they have what is referred to as low vision. You may have heard the terms “partial sight” or “partial blindness” or even “poor vision” also used to describe low vision.
Disability Benefits For Legally Blind Individuals
Blindness or visual impairment gives rise to problems that affect every area of your life, even your ability to work.
Other Programs And Services To Check Out
We have covered just a few of the special programs available for people with vision loss. There are many other areas that are covered by state and federal laws that you should consider.
How much can you earn on SSDI if you are blind?
If you qualify for benefits for legally blind individuals under SSDI, you will be allowed to work while on disability and earn up to $2,040 per month in earned income (as of 2019) without disqualifying yourself for blind disability benefits.
What is the maximum visual acuity for blind people?
Your visual acuity in your better eye, after best correction, must not exceed 3/60 or 10/200. Ultimately, your eligibility for legally blind disability benefits will be determined by the county assistance office.
What is the definition of blindness on Social Security?
Social Security’s legally blind standards are based on its impairment listings, and they impose a very specific definition of “legal blindness.”. Visual acuity (clarity of vision): To qualify for blind disability benefits under this standard, your visual acuity after best correction must be no better than 20/200 in your better eye. ...
What does "in your better eye" mean?
Typically, this means wearing a pair of glasses. “In your better eye” means just what it sounds like; your better eye . The implication is that to be eligible for benefits for legally blind individuals, both of your eyes must qualify as legally blind under at least one of the foregoing tests. One good eye can disqualify you.
Is Social Security only for blind people?
Social Security Benefits for Legally Blind Individuals. Although Social Security is not the only source of benefits for legally blind individuals, it is the most important source of benefits for the blind.
Can you get disability if you are blind?
Eligibility standards for blind disability benefits are strict and subject to discretion, however, and you could easily be denied benefits for the blind unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Can you get low vision if you are blind?
One good eye can disqualify you. Even if you do not qualify as legally blind, you will be considered “low vision” if your vision is impaired. If you have trouble reading or watching your television, you might qualify for benefits for the blind under the SSA Medical-Vocational Allowance (see below).
What is the disability program for blind people?
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).
What is legal blindness?
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.
What are the benefits of disability?
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: 1 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).#N#The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. 2 Supplemental Security Income (SSI).#N#The SSI program pays benefits based on financial need and is intended for low income individuals and families.
How long does it take to get a disability decision?
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.
What is the blue book on Social Security?
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.
Can Social Security Disability help with financial problems?
Fortunately, in some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can alleviate some of this financial strain.
How much can blind people earn on SSI?
Blind SSI applicants are allowed to work and earn up to $1,740 per month. In addition to the SSI benefit, some states supplement the benefits. The supplement amount ranges from $10 to $400, depending on the state. Once you exceed $1,740 per month, the earnings are considered substantial gain and will reduce the SSI benefit amount.
What is the additional amount for blind people in 2013?
Legally blind taxpayers are allowed an additional deduction on top of the standard deduction. In 2013, the additional amount is $1,500 for head of household and single filers.
How long does blindness last on SSDI?
To receive SSDI benefits, the blindness has to have lasted or must be expected to last at least 12 months.
How far away can you be legally blind?
Even with the use of the best vision correction methods, a legally blind individual would need to stand 20 feet away from an object to see it with the same clarity as someone with normal vision can see at 200 feet away. If you are considered legally blind, there are federal and state benefits you are entitled to receive.
How many credits do you need to work to get disability?
You earn work credits based on your annual wages, with a maximum earning potential of four credits each year. The amount needed for each credit can change annually.
Can blind children attend school?
Legally blind children can receive the training and special assistance needed to be successful in school. Your local department of health and human services can help you locate the blind commission or division in your state.
Definition of legally blind
The definition of legally blind is fairly straightforward: A person is legally blind if their vision is 20/200 or worse even with glasses or other vision correction. Legally blind is different from low vision, which is vision that is 20/70 or worse with correction.
Causes of legal blindness
There are a wide variety of conditions that can cause blindness. Some individuals are born blind, while others become legally blind at some point during their lives.
Doctors for the legally blind
If your eye doctor has told you that you’re legally blind, or that your child is legally blind, it’s a good idea to ask for a referral to a low-vision specialist. A low-vision specialist is an eye doctor who specializes in working with low vision and legally blind patients.
Organizations for the blind
There are many international, national and state nonprofits, and other organizations set up to help legally blind and low vision individuals. These organizations provide support and offer assistance and programs for blind individuals and their families, teachers and service providers.
Support groups for the blind
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) offers a wide range of support groups for the blind, along with mentoring. This includes support groups for: blind artists and musicians, assistive technology users, blind and visually impaired students, braille users, guide dog users, blind LGBT individuals, and blind seniors.
Tools for daily life for the blind
Products and tools for the blind help vision-impaired individuals perform daily tasks and work. Low-vision and vision rehabilitation centers are a good place to start exploring the products and technology that can help you in your daily life.
Apps for the legally blind
Smartphone apps can help the blind and vision impaired navigate the world and do everyday tasks more easily.
What are the criteria to be legally blind?
To be considered legally blind, you would have to meet one of two criteria for visual acuity (sharpness of vision) and visual field (the entire scope of what you can see without moving your eyes).
What causes legal blindness?
Age-related eye diseases that are the leading causes of low vision and blindness are: 6 . Eye trauma or injuries and genetic conditions, such as Usher syndrome, can also lead to legal blindness.
How far away can you see with 20/20 vision?
If you had visual acuity of 20/80, it would mean that you would be able to see details from 20 feet away the same as a person with 20/20, or normal, vision could see from 80 feet away. A legally blind person with 20/200 vision (with the best corrective lenses) would need to be 20 feet from an object in order to see it as well as someone ...
What is low vision?
Low vision is a visual acuity of 20/40 or worse while wearing corrective lenses. More than 4.2 million people over age 40 are legally blind or have low vision, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 6 . Visual Acuity Testing.
How to treat glaucoma?
For example, the goal of treatment for glaucoma is to reduce eye pressure. This can be achieved with prescription eye drops or oral medications, laser procedures, and, in severe cases, surgeries to try to prevent further damage.
What is the normal visual field?
A visual field of 180 degrees is considered normal.
Can you get a driver's license if you are blind?
2 For safely reasons, people with legal blindness or low vision typically are not eligible for a driver's license.
Can You Qualify for Medicare If You Are Legally Blind?
If you collect disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 consecutive months, you can begin receiving Medicare coverage beginning with your 25th month.
What Does Medicare Cover for the Legally Blind?
Medicare benefits are the same whether you qualify based on age or disability. Anyone under the age of 65 who is legally blind and who qualifies for Medicare coverage will have access to the same benefits as those over the age of 65 who do not have a disability.
Does Medicare Offer Any Vision Coverage at All?
Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover routine vision care like exams, eyeglasses or contact lenses.
How Can the Legally Blind Get Help with Medicare?
Medicare provides benefit, eligibility and enrollment information in Braille, large print and audio files to better relay information to the vision impaired. You may request an alternative form of communication by sending an email to [email protected].
Does Medicaid Cover the Legally Blind?
A blind person may also qualify for health insurance benefits through Medicaid if they meet certain financial requirements. Medicaid benefits can vary by state, but often provides coverage of eye exams, eyeglasses and eye surgeries when medically necessary.
Resources for the Legally Blind and Vision Impaired
Below is a list of resources available to the legally blind or vision impaired regardless of whether or not get coverage for the care they need through Medicare or Medicaid.
What is the tax deduction for blind people?
The tax deduction for the legally blind is an increase to the standard deduction. It’s meant to offset some of the extra costs associated with blindness, was established nearly 80 years ago through the Revenue Act of 1943 (page 36). For the 2020 tax year, the legally blind tax deduction is:
Who is the blind person who has assisted hundreds of low vision filers over the last 10 years?
Martin — who was born blind and has assisted hundreds of low vision filers over the last 10 years — noted that if you’re preparing your own taxes using online software, be aware that you may need to reaffirm your blind status each year.
How much is the blind tax deduction for 2020?
For the 2020 tax year, the legally blind tax deduction is: $1,650 for single or head of household filers. $1,300 for married couples filing jointly or separately with one blind spouse. $2,600 for married couples filing jointly with two blind spouses. People ages 65 and older also qualify for a similar tax deduction.
What expenses do people with vision loss face?
Readers, guides, visual aids and public transportation are just some of the expenses people with vision loss face. They may also struggle to find and maintain gainful employment or may incur higher rent prices in order to live within walking distance of work.
Can you see 20/200?
You can’t see better than 20/200 in your better eye, even with glasses or contact lenses. Your field of vision is 20 degrees or less. You have no eyesight at all. IRS Publication 501, pages 22-23, gives more guidance on this. You must be considered legally blind on the last day of the prior year to get the deduction.
Is it easy to live with vision impairment?
Living with vision impairment isn’t easy — and it isn’t cheap. “There are many hidden costs to having a disability,” said Tom Foley, Executive Director of National Disability Institute (NDI), the only national organization exclusively focused on the financial wellness of people with disabilities.
Can you get a tax break for being blind?
The government uses a specific definition of blindness to determine eligibility for vocational training, rehabilitation, disability benefits — and yes, tax breaks. You can’t see better than 20/200 in your better eye, even with glasses or contact lenses. Your field of vision is 20 degrees or less.
