If you have suffered an injury to your eyes or have a disease that is causing the deterioration of your eyesight over time, then you may have a visual disability. A visual disability can help you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if it’s severe enough.
According to U.S. law, you are considered to be legally blind once your vision is at an acuity of 20/200 or worse and if your peripheral vision is less than 20 degrees. This is the criteria that the government uses when deciding if you can drive, for example, as well as to help you qualify for aid.
Can you qualify for Social Security Disability for temporary blindness?
To get disability coverage, you need to show that you will have a disability for at least 12 months. If you cannot work because you are going blind or are legally blind, then you should consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Insurance. These two benefits programs provide you with income to live more comfortably when you cannot work.
There are special rules for those with low vision or who are living with blindness. For example, if you’re still able to work in some capacity, you may be able to have greater substantial gainful activity than those with other disabilities and still qualify for support. There are also some kinds of expenses, known as Blind Work Expenses, which you may be able to deduct from your earnings to help you qualify for SSDI.
If you need help applying for SSDI, our website has more information on how to apply and what to do if you receive a denial letter.