What Are the Benefits Of Applying For SSDI With Vision Loss?
If you have vision loss that is so severe that it keeps you from working and earning a living, you may qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two disability programs that provide monthly benefits.
Disability benefits can provide you with the financial help you need for living expenses and provide access to Medicare coverage to take care of your medical needs. You can also access return to work incentives and get back to work. A disability attorney can help you get your claim approved.
Financial Help
Social Security Disability benefits provide monthly compensation that you can use to cover the cost of living expenses.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet specific medical criteria that shows you are unable to work and earn a living because of your vision loss. SSDI benefits are based off your earning history from your employment.
Sometimes the SSA will give a cost-of-living adjustment that increases monthly benefits according to inflation. If you have minor children, they may qualify for dependent benefits.
When you reach retirement age, your disability benefits may convert to retirement benefits. Upon the death of a spouse, dependent children and the surviving spouse may qualify for survivors’ benefits.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are 65 or older who are disabled and unable to work. There are two parts to Medicare, Part A, which is hospital insurance and Part B, which is medical insurance.
Most people do not pay for Part A, but there are monthly premiums for Part B. If you qualify for Medicaid, the cost of Part B could be covered. To qualify for Medicare, you must be disabled for at least 24 months.
Return To Work Incentives
There are two return to work programs for those who receive disability benefits. The Ticket to Work program helps you get the services and support that you need to return to work.
The goal is to help you earn enough money to become financially dependent. It helps you free of charge to get training, vocational rehabilitation, job referrals, and other employment support services.
The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is a written plan of action for pursuing and getting a specific job. PASS describes the steps you will take as well as the services and items that you need to reach your work goal.
When you have a PASS that is approved, the SSA doesn’t count the money that you set aside to help you reach your work goal if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program.
How An Attorney Can Help
If you are ready to apply for blind disability benefits because of vision loss, a disability attorney can help you get your claim on the right track.
The odds of a claim being approved increase significantly when a claimant is represented by a disability lawyer throughout the claims process. Ask for a free case review today.
