Are SSDI Benefits for Blindness Different?

If you are blind or have low vision, you may have heard that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a bit different when it comes to applicants with blindness or low vision. While SSDI applicants with blindness or low vision must meet some of the same requirements as other applicants with disabilities in order to receive benefits, you may still be able to receive SSDI benefits if you can do some work. In other words, a person who is blind or has low vision may be able to work and to earn money while still receiving SSDI benefits, which is different for SSDI applicants with other types of medical conditions. Our national disability benefits lawyers can explain in more detail below, and we can speak with you today about working with you on your SSDI case.

Medical Definition of Blindness for SSDI and SSI Purposes

A person who is blind or has low vision can be eligible (if they meet the other requirements) for SSDI and Supplemental Security income (SSI). SSDI is based on a person’s work record, whereas SSDI is based on having limited assets or resources. In order to be eligible for either, you will first need to meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of blindness. The SSA says:

“We consider you to be blind if your vision can’t be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye. We also consider you blind if your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye for a period that lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.”

You may also be eligible for SSDI if you have low vision and your vision condition, alone or combined with other health issues, prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

You Can Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits for Blindness

SSDI recipients who are blind are permitted to work more than other SSDI recipients. For SSDI recipients who are not blind, in 2025, the recipient cannot earn more than $1,620 per month without losing SSDI eligibility. That amount is nearly doubled for blind SSDI recipients, however, You can work and earn up to $2,700 per month in 2025 if you are blind. Those numbers are adjusted for inflation at regular intervals.

To find out more about receiving SSDI benefits due to blindness while continuing to work, either for an employer or on a self-employed basis, you should seek advice from a lawyer.

Contact Our National Disability Benefits Attorneys for Assistance with Your SSDI Application or Appeal Today

Do you have general questions about seeking SSDI benefits with blindness or low vision, or do you need assistance with an initial application or appeal? Our experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz regularly assist clients who are blind or have low vision with SSDI applications and appeals. We can speak with you today to answer any questions you have or to begin working with you on an initial application or on an appeal if you submitted an application on your own and were denied benefits. Contact our firm today for assistance.

Source:

ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10052.pdf