Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Vision Loss
Vision loss is losing your ability to see well without some sort of vision correction. Vision correction tools include eyeglasses, contact lenses, permanent artificial lenses, or surgical correction to the eye. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, about 36 million people are either blind or have severe vision problems. Vision loss can be caused by many different factors, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, or glaucoma, to name a few. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 2.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Vision Loss Qualify for Disability?
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits due to vision loss, a person must meet specific criteria. Social Security defines legal blindness as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in their better eye with correction or a field of vision that is less than 20 degrees in the better eye. If a person’s vision meets either of these requirements, they are considered legally blind, and they may be automatically eligible for disability benefits.
If a person’s vision does not meet the criteria for legal blindness, their condition may still be considered a disability by Social Security if it has impacted their ability to work. Social Security will assess a person’s ability to work based on a few factors, such as whether they are able to do the types of work they have done in the past and whether their limitations will affect their ability to work in other jobs. If a person can demonstrate that they are unable to secure gainful employment due to vision impairments, they may be approved for disability benefits.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with vision loss and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
