SOCIAL SECURITY

Many blind people are eligible for one of two programs offered by the Social Security Administration. The first is a program called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). As the name implies it is an insurance program. If you have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of quarters, you may be eligible for monthly payments. The second program is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is a needs-based program and will be affected by any other family income. Blind persons who have little or no regular income or savings may qualify for monthly payments under the SSI program. Both of these programs have special rules which apply only to blind people. Contact you local Social Security Office for information and applications. Always let you Social Security office know that you are blind when applying for any benefits.

Blindness does not automatically entitle an individual to cash benefits (or as some call it) a “pension.” A person who is 65 or older will not get increased Social Security benefits simply because of blindness. Please contact us if you have any problem understanding the regulations, if you have been unjustly denied benefits, or if you have other questions.

Updated February 13, 2002