JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

The definition that the Social Security Administration uses to define disability includes “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity.” That means that you can receive Social Security benefits for blindness and statutory blindness if you meet their definition of disability.

Blindness as defined by the Social Security Administration is:

• If your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye.
• If your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye.

If your vision does not meet the legal definition of blindness, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your vision problems alone or combined with other health problems prevent you from holding a job. When your claim for benefits is evaluated by Social Security they will use the benchmark for “blind” individuals to determine whether you are currently performing or can perform substantial work.

Earning levels for a blind worker doing substantial work in 2013 is $1,740.00 as compared to $1,040.00 for non-blind workers. In other words, you can earn up to $1,740.00 each month in 2013 and still be considered disabled. Also if you happen to be self-employed and blind, Social Security only looks at your monthly income, not at the services that you perform for your business, just as it does for non-blind workers.

Pennsylvanians should understand that if you have low vision but are not statutorily blind, you could still be considered disabled.  Social Security will consider:

• Your past work experience
• If you are under the age of 50
• Your education
• Your training

What this means is that you may still qualify if your eyesight is too poor to do the work that you have done in the past, or if you are under the age of 50, and any other work for which you have transferable skills. As mentioned above, you may still be qualified for benefits if you have limitations due to multiple conditions. Low vision and other medical or psychological conditions may qualify you. If you happen to be working during the time of your application for disability benefits, the substantial work benchmark for non-blind workers will be used by Social Security.  Remember: in 2013, that figure is $1,040.00 per month in earnings.

Also, please remember that statements from care providers, employers, and social workers, as well as other healthcare providers, such as chiropractors, can give weight to your application for benefits. Statements from friends, neighbors, and family may be helpful concerning your limitations. You and your attorney will gather this information. If you have been denied disability benefits, or you are just beginning the application process, MMK Law is ready to help you through the legal process in order for you to receive all the benefits for which you are legally entitled. Please call us today at 215-545-1870 or toll free at 215-545-1870 for your free consultation.