Finding a job with consistent income with blindness is not always easy. This is why disability benefits are offered for people with statutory blindness and other forms of vision loss. Several factors go into determining eligibility for disability benefits, including blind work expenses. Feel free to talk with a Pennsylvania individual disability insurance attorney to explore what this process involves.

What Are Blind Work Expenses?

Blind work expenses are one factor that helps determine whether someone with vision problems can qualify for disability benefits. These blind work expenses are any expenses that can be excluded from earned income. This applies to people who are blind and either under the age of 65 or people who:

·      Are age 65 or older

·      Have received supplemental security income at least one month before turning 65

Earned income plays a major role in determining whether someone can start receiving disability benefits for blindness. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider how much income and other financial resources someone has when deciding whether that person is in need of financial assistance. What plays a role in determining this is:

·      Earned and unearned income

·      Financial resources

·      A person’s overall state of living

What blind work expenses do is make becoming eligible for disability benefits easier because they exclude certain forms of financial resources. Blind work expenses exclude costs of work-related items, income taxes, Social Security taxes, and medical expenses like:

·      Cost of medical devices

·      Medication expenses

·      Traveling expenses

Not every financial resource can be excluded through blind work expenses. Consider contacting a Pennsylvania disability lawyer to find out what could be excluded for you under blind work expenses. An experienced lawyer can help you figure out your eligibility for disability benefits and what steps this will require.

Blindness Eligibility Criteria for Disability Benefits

When it comes to disability benefits for blindness, eligibility depends on two main criteria. You must have statutory blindness or significant vision problems. Both are measured by tests that determine central visual acuity and visual field limitations. Blindness is described by central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.

Even if tests show a visual acuity at 20/200 or less, this same visual acuity must be shown in your best-corrected eye. This means the examiner must run this test on not only the best eye but your best eye with corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. Various other visual tests might be conducted to make the final determination.

For you to qualify for disability benefits with statutory blindness or other visual impairments, you must demonstrate that your vision problems are chronic and severe. They must be expected to last at least one year and must interfere with your ability to earn a basic income.

Disability Attorney in Pennsylvania

The process of applying for disability benefits can be tedious. Reach out to a Pennsylvania disability lawyer if you have questions about how to apply for disability benefits. Start by contacting Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your options for disability benefits. Our legal team can help you increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.