Understanding Visual Disorders and SSDI Benefits
Many different types of illnesses, injuries, and disorders can result in disabilities that limit an adult’s ability to work. When their disability is expected to last for at least one year or to result in their death, and when it prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity, they may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they also have sufficient work credits to qualify. While the elements of a person’s disability as described above are required for most people seeking SSDI benefits, the requirements are slightly different for disabled adults with low vision or blindness.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes “visual disorders” as potential SSDI-eligible disabilities, and it has particular rules for adults with what it describes as “statutory blindness.” A national disability benefits lawyer at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can provide you with more details.
How the SSA Defines Visual Disorders
In Section 2.00 of the Blue Book, the SSA defines visual disorders as “abnormalities of the eye, the optic nerve, the optic tracts, or the brain that may cause a loss of visual acuity or visual fields.” The SSA then explains further that “a loss of visual acuity limits your ability to distinguish detail, read, or do fine work,” and that “a loss of visual fields limits your ability to perceive visual stimuli in the peripheral extent of vision.
When a person has a visual disorder, they can experience blindness or low vision, and both of which may qualify that person for SSDI benefits.
How Blindness and Low Vision Impact SSDI Eligibility
What is considered statutory blindness according to the SSA? The SSA considers a person to be blind if:
- 1) Their vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in their better eye; or
- 2) Their visual field is 20 degrees or less in their better eye for a period that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.
The SSA is clear that you may also be eligible for SSDI benefits if you do not meet the definition of statutory blindness but have a visual disorder that results in low vision and, combined with other medical conditions, prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful employment.
Blindness as it is described above, however, does not require that you cannot engage in any type of work or gainful activity. If you meet the statutory definition of blindness, then you are permitted to earn up to $2,700 per month (in 2025, and that number increases annually). That number is substantially more than other SSDI recipients can earn without losing SSDI eligibility.
Contact Our National SSDI Benefits Attorneys for Assistance
If you have any kind of visual disorder that results in low vision or blindness, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the SSDI program. One of the experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can answer your questions today and can assist you with your SSDI application or appeal. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide to disabled adults nationwide.
Sources:
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm
ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10052.pdf
