Individuals who are legally blind and unable to work may qualify for benefits under either the Social Security Disability Insurance program or the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI). You are considered legally blind if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye, or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye.
Each benefits program has its own strict rules for qualifying if you are legally blind. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult a Florida Social Security benefits attorney who understands the blindness disability application and appeals process.
The Social Security Disability benefits lawyers at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, P.A., have helped blind and disabled individuals in Florida obtain Social Security disability and other types of disability benefits for 30 years. Whether you are in Tampa, Holiday, Miami, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Naples or Bonita Springs, one of our Florida SSD claims attorneys is ready to assist.
Contact a Florida SSD and SSI benefits lawyer at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, P.A., toll free at (888) 861-7757, or use our online contact form. We offer an initial consultation free of charge. If you or a loved one is legally blind and unable to work, it’s important to file for blindness disability benefits promptly.
How We Can Help You Qualify for Disability Benefits If You’re Blind
Many diseases of the eye and body can cause blindness. Blindness may be a congenital condition that a child is born with, or your vision may fail later in life. Some conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma are associated with vision loss in older adults. Blindness can limit your activity and your ability to work outside the home. You may need Social Security disability assistance to help cover your living expenses.
If you become legally blind, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you worked long enough in a job where you paid Social Security taxes. You also may qualify for SSDI benefits based on the earnings of one of your parents or spouse if you have not accumulated enough work credits on your own.
Another consideration if you are blind and still working is a special rule allowing you to receive higher retirement or disability benefits in the future. As you may know, Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime average earnings. If you’re still working but blindness has reduced your earnings capacity, you may seek a disability freeze to exclude the earnings in years affected by your blindness. That can mean higher retirement or disability benefits when you do receive them. That is something to consider if you are still working and not yet receiving disability payments.
If you are legally blind and have a very low income or you did not pay Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI benefits. SSI is an income-based program. If you have very little income and very few resources, you may qualify for SSI.
Contact a Disability Benefits for the Blind Attorney
The SSDI and SSI benefits lawyers at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, P.A., have helped blind and disabled individuals in Florida obtain regular disability insurance and other disability benefits for 30 years. Whether you are in Tampa, Holiday, Miami, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Naples or Bonita Springs, one of our Florida disability claims attorneys is ready to answer your questions.
Contact a Florida Social Security benefits attorney at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, P.A., toll free at (888) 861-7757, or use our online contact form. We offer an initial consultation free of charge. If we handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. We receive payment only if we obtain benefits for you. Call today to get the process started!