The Social Security Administration does offer special rules that apply to persons who wish to claim benefits based on blindness, or low vision. If you are severely visually impaired, then you may be eligible for benefits under both the Supplemental Security Income program, and the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
The Social Security Administration will consider that you meet the criteria for a claim if your vision cannot progress to better than 20/200 in your better eye or if your visual field is 20° or below in the better eye. However, even if you do not meet the stringent criteria for blindness, you may still be eligible for disability benefits. For example, you may qualify for benefits if your vision problems make it difficult for you to work and earn a living. In order to be eligible for a claim, you must have worked long enough in a job to pay Social Security taxes.
Remember, you may find it easier to qualify for benefits if your impairment is included in the official listing of impairments provided by the Social Security Administration. However, even if your impairment is not included in the Social Security administration’s listing, you may still qualify for benefits. Speak to a Social Security disability benefits attorney in Los Angeles, and determine whether you qualify for benefits. For help appealing against a denial, schedule a consultation with a Social Security disability benefits attorney in Los Angeles.