DISABILITY BENEFIT FOR BLINDNESS

Social Security will pay a benefit to individuals who meet their definition of blindness. Social Security will consider you to be blind if you meet either of the following criteria:

1. Your vision can't be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye, OR

2. if your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye,

And one of these conditions has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 straight months.

Note that Social Security evaluates the sight in the better eye, after the best correction. Being blind in only one eye does not qualify for a benefit, even if one eye is missing.

WHAT EVIDENCE DOES SOCIAL SECURITY REQUIRE?

You will need visual test results from a doctor of ophthamology (an "eye doctor") or an optometrist. The doctor's records should show how long the blindness has lasted. If it has lasted less than 12 months, the doctor should state whether it is expected to last for a period of at least 12 months. Remember, you must submit evidence of blindness in the better eye and after the best correction possible.

Severe visual impairments which can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses may not qualify for benefits.

If you need help with a disability application or appeal, please contact the Forsythe Firm at (256) 799-0297 for a free consultation. We never charge a fee unless you collect back pay on your claim.