Social Security runs two programs that assists visually impaired (defined as legally blind) individuals:
Social Security Disability (SSD): Disabled workers under 65 and their families are eligible for Social Security Disability payments provided that the worker has worked long enough to be insured and is no longer gainfully employed.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For blind and disabled and for people over the age of 65, SSI is valuable for those that have little or no income and very limited resources.
SSI is not counted as income by the VA in Means testing or against NSC Pension eligibility. Pension does effect eligibility for SSI in some instances. SSI is often linked to MEDICAID eligibility – so be careful in applying for NSC Pension if you are dependent on MEDICAID health benefits. Speak with Social Security Office to ensure that NSC Pension will not ruin your MEDICAID eligibility (if you are on MEDICAID).
The VA does count SSD as income. This can be a problem with means testing.
NOTE: There has been talk of keeping MEDICAID benefits as a disabled person transitions into higher income. You need to check current laws if you are affected. This can be done at the Social Security Office.
The rules on disability and working changed substantially in 2001. Congress passed the “Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999”, which substantially expands opportunities for people with disabilities.
Thirteen states started the “Ticket to Work” program in 2001. By the end of 2003 the entire United States was scheduled to be covered by the program.
For more information call the MAXIMUS Ticket to Work Help Line:
1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967).
If you do not live in a ticket state but would like more information about the law, you may call the Social Security toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and ask for the fact sheet:
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.
There are additional rules and benefits for Blindness. For more information request the following booklet:
If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision—How We Can Help (Publication No. 05-10052).
Excellent online source for reviewing Social Security disability programs and procedures are:
www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/
http://www.yourtickettowork.com/program_info
If you are applying for Social Security Benefits for the first time, they will ask you for the following:
· Proof of death-either from funeral home or death certificate;
· Your Social Security number, as well as the number of the deceased family member;
· Your birth certificate;
· Your marriage certificate if you're the widow or widower;
· Your divorce papers if you're applying as a surviving divorced spouse;
· Dependent children's Social Security numbers, if available;
· Deceased worker's most recent W-4 forms or federal self-employment tax return;
· The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account.
Public records like your birth certificate and marriage or divorce records must be the originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
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