Are social security disability benefits available to the legally blind?

The government realizes that being blind or having extremely poor vision has a severe impact on a person's ability to work. People in these categories are eligible for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits that are often higher than those extended to individuals whose disabilities are not vision-related.

As of 2011, a blind individual is entitled to $1,640 per month in SSDI benefits if she is approved. Those receiving benefits will qualify for annual increases if the Consumer Price Index for Workers rises.

To qualify for this amount, an individual must meet the standard of blindness outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). A qualified individual may have some vision, but the SSA will consider her blind if her vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in her better eye. A person is also considered blind if her field of vision is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens.

Individuals who are blind and who are planning to file claims for SSDI should not be fooled by the simple clear-cut qualifications. Obtaining SSDI is often a long and frustrating process. The majority of applications are denied and disabled applicants are required to go through a lengthy appeal process. Technical errors on forms and missing documentation commonly hinder cases and cause people to go without the benefits that they desperately need.

If you or someone that you know is blind and planning to apply for SSDI, it is best to contact a disability lawyer. With the help of a legal professional, much of the hassle associated with the process can be avoided.