While anyone in the United States with a disability is potentially eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is special mention of benefits for blind people. That being said, not everyone with visual impairment will necessarily qualify as being blind under the definition put forward by the Social Security Administration (SSA). So what is “blindness” according to the SSA, and why does it matter?
What Does it Mean to Be Blind, According to the SSA?
Under SSA rules, someone is considered legally blind if they meet at least one of the two following criteria:
- They have a central visual acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in their better eye with use of an optimal corrective lens; or
- They have a visual field limitation in their better eye, such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.
Put another way, you will be considered legally blind if your vision in your better eye is rated at 20/200 or worse, even with glasses or contacts. You may also be considered blind if you have only the ability to see at a 20 degree angle or less, meaning your vision is limited to only a small portion of what you would normally see with functional eyes.
What Conditions Could Result in Blindness?
There are a number of illnesses or injuries that can result in someone being considered legally blind. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Optic neuritis
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Retinal detachment
- Corneal infections or ulcers
Why Does This Matter?
The reason this is important is that people with blindness have significantly more options available to them than people who are not blind. For example, ordinarily, people cannot qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if they make more than the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which is $1,690 per month as of 2026. For blind people, however, they can make up to $2,830 per month and still qualify.
Additionally, blind people have more relaxed requirements when it comes to getting work credits for SSDI benefits, and you may be eligible to receive up to six months of advanced financial payments when you apply for SSI benefits.
What Should You Do?
The best way to know if you might qualify for SSDI or SSI due to blindness is to speak with a lawyer who has experience handling disability law matters. They can help you review your case, and assist you with applying for benefits. They can also argue on your behalf if your claim is denied and you need to appeal your claim.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
