SSDI for Blindness
If you are blind or have low vision, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, but the rules, eligibility requirements, and application process can be confusing. This guide explains how the SSA defines blindness, how to qualify for SSDI, and steps to improve your chances of approval.
Can You Get SSDI for Blindness?
Yes, you can receive Social Security Disability Insurance for blindness or low vision.
How the SSA Defines Blindness for Disability Benefits
Below is how the Social Security Administration defines blindness and low vision conditions for disability benefits:
Legal Definition of Blindness
The Social Security Administration generally defines blindness as:
- Your vision is lower than 20/200 in your better eye, even with glasses or contacts.
- Your field of vision meausres less than 20 degrees.
The SSA assesses visual impairments under Listings 2.02, 2.03, and 2.04 of its so-called Blue Book, which outlines qualifying disabling conditions and their medical criteria for eligibility. The listings’ requirements are as follows:
- 2.02 Loss of central visual acuity: You meet this requirement if your best-corrected vision in your better eye is 20/200 or less.
- 2.03 Contraction of the visual field in the better eye: You meet this requirement if your better eye has a significantly limited field of vision, as shown by any one of the following:
- The widest part of your visual field is no more than 20 degrees from the center.
- Your mean deviation or defect is 22 decibels or more, determined by an automated static threshold perimetry that measures the central 30 degrees of the visual field.
- Your visual field efficiency is 20% or less, as measured by kinetic perimetry.
- 2.04 Loss of overall visual efficiency in your better eye: You meet this requirement if your better eye has reduced overall visual performance, as shown by either of the following:
- Your visual efficiency percentage is 20% or less after best correction.
- Your visual impairment value is 1.00 or greater after best correction.
Partial Sight and Low Vision
Even if your condition doesn’t meet SSA’s definition of blindness, you may still qualify for disability benefits. If your vision problems, alone or combined with other health issues, keep you from working, you may be eligible.
SSDI Eligibility Rules for Blind Individuals
Beyond having a qualifying condition, to be eligible for SSDI, you must have sufficient work credits.
Work Credits Needed
The SSA calculates work credits based on annual earnings. You earn more credits as you earn more money and pay Social Security taxes. You can earn up to a maximum of four credits per year.
Blind individuals can earn credits during any year they work, even after losing their sight. They may still be eligible based on a parent’s or spouse’s work history if they don’t have enough credits to qualify for SSDI on their own earnings.
Substantial Gainful Activity Limits for the Blind
To be eligible for disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA. SGA is the maximum threshold of earnings from work that you can receive and still qualify for SSDI.
In 2025, blind individuals can earn as much as $2,700 monthly and still receive SSDI. For workers with disabilities who are not blind, that limit is $1,620 monthly. Earning limits typically change each year. Notably, there is no SGA limit for blind individuals applying for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
How To Apply for SSDI for Blindness
To apply for disability benefits, you must submit an application to the SSA and provide proof of your medical condition, identity, and work history. The Social Security Administration denies most applications due to technical errors or missing information.
Documents and Evidence You Will Need
When you apply for SSDI, you must provide the following types of documention and medical evidence:
Personal Information
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Any other benefits you receive
- Banking information for direct deposit
Medical Information
- Names and contact information of all health care providers
- List of medications
- Records of medical tests and the prescribing physicians
- Vision test results and relevant medical notes
Work and Education Information
- Jobs you’ve held in the last 15 years
- Education history
- Specialized training you have completed
Application Methods
You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. Our experienced disability lawyers can handle the entire process for you.
Additional Benefits Available for People Who Are Blind
Other programs and benefits are available beyond SSDI, including:
SSI for the Blind
If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income. SSI is a needs-based program for older, blind, or disabled individuals with little or no income and resources.
If you have total blindness, the SSA considers this a presumptive disability, which is a disability that is easy to identify and usually qualifies you with little or no medical evidence. This may make you eligible for expedited SSI payments. However, presumptive benefits do not apply to SSDI.
In addition, there is no SGA threshold for blind individuals applying for SSI.
Special Work Incentives
Below are several examples of Social Security work incentives available for people who are blind:
- Work Incentive Planning and Assistance, or WIPA: Funded by Social Security, WIPA is a program that offers free counseling to individuals who receive SSI or SSDI benefits who are working or want to return to work.
- Blind Work Expenses, or BWE: These are work-related costs that blind individuals can deduct from their earnings to reduce their countable income and may increase their SSI. Blind work expenses only apply to SSI benefits.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses, or IRWE: Similar to BWE, this covers out-of-pocket costs that people with disabilities pay for special equipment and services that help them work. You can deduct these expenses from your gross earnings, which can help you stay below the SGA threshold. These deductions can apply to both SSI and SSDI
Medicare and Medicaid Eligibility
If approved for SSDI benefits, you can enroll in Medicare before age 65. In most cases, however, you must wait 24 months after starting SSDI before automatically enrolling in Medicare Part A and B.
Your income may also make you eligible for Medicaid, and you may be able to apply before you qualify for Medicare.
Common Challenges When Applying for SSDI for Blindness
The Social Security Administration denies about 67% of all Social Security Disability applications. Between 2012 and 2021, only about one in five applications were approved at the initial application level. Most approvals occurred during appeals, which can take much longer.
The SSA reports that most denials happen for non-medical reasons, often due to application mistakes like the following.
- Incomplete or Inconsistent Medical Documentation: Providing incomplete or incorrect medical records can delay or deny your application. Parts of your application ask for detailed information on your diagnosis, medical history, medications, work, and education.
- Misunderstanding SSA Rules for Blindness: Social Security applies special rules for people who are blind. For example, SSDI and SSI have different thresholds for how long your blindness has lasted. SSI does not have a specific time requirement, while SSDI requires your blindness to have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.
Appealing a Denial
A denial does not mean you are unqualified for benefits. Denials often happen because the paperwork or application process is complex.
If your claim is denied, the Social Security Administration provides a four-step appeals process that allows you to challenge the decision. You must file your appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. Working with an attorney with extensive experience handling SSDI hearing appeals can greatly improve your chances of success.
Tips for Strengthening Your SSDI Claim for Blindness
Here are some ways you can strengthen your SSDI claim:
Be Consistent With Medical and Personal Statements
Ensure that what you provide for your SSA forms aligns with your medical records.
Include Functional Limitations
Gather medical records, such as doctors’ notes and diagnostic images, and any other proof showing how blindness affects your daily life and ability to work. You can also include a personal journal describing your challenges and statements from family members or others who have seen how your condition limits you.
Consider Getting Professional Help
Working with a disability lawyer or a professional service like Disability Advice can make the application process easier and faster.
A knowledgeable advocate can guide you through the application process, ensuring it is complete, accurate, and effectively highlights the strengths of your case. A disability lawyer can help you navigate any challenges that may arise during the process and avoid common pitfalls that could delay approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI for Blindness
How Much SSDI Can a Blind Person Receive?
SSDI benefits are calculated using your earnings before you became disabled, just like Social Security retirement benefits. A skilled disability lawyer can review your work history and help you estimate how much you may qualify to receive.
What Is the Income Limit for Blind Individuals on SSDI?
In 2025, blind individuals can earn as much as $2,700 monthly and still receive SSDI. Earning limits typically change each year.
Can You Work and Still Get SSDI for Blindness?
Yes, you can work and still get SSDI for blindness. While earning limits usually change each year, you can continue to receive your benefits and work as long as your work earnings are not more than the amount set by law.
Do Children or Dependents Qualify for Benefits if a Parent Is Blind?
A child may receive benefits if a parent is blind or disabled. An experienced disability lawyer can assess their eligibility and guide you on the types of benefits they can receive.
Is Total Blindness Required To Qualify?
Total blindness is not required to qualify. You may still be eligible for disability benefits if your vision impaiments alone, or paired with other health problems, prevent you from working.
SSDI for Blindness – Get Help Securing Your Benefits
Blindness is a recognized disability, but Social Security sets strict rules, and the application process can be confusing and overwhelming. Working with a disability lawyer or a service like Disability Advice can make the process easier, faster, and less stressful.
Whether you are applying for SSDI for the first time or appealing a denial, we can handle the process from start to finish. Our experienced advocates and lawyers have a deep understanding of SSA’s requirements and are dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
On This Page
- Can You Get SSDI for Blindness?
- How the SSA Defines Blindness for Disability Benefits
- SSDI Eligibility Rules for Blind Individuals\
- How To Apply for SSDI for Blindness
- Additional Benefits Available for People Who Are Blind
- Common Challenges When Applying for SSDI for Blindness
- Tips for Strengthening Your SSDI Claim for Blindness
- Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI for Blindness
- SSDI for Blindness – Get Help Securing Your Benefits
