Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
12
↓
At what point should a person file for disability? (self.Blind)
submitted by blazblu82
I haven't had much guidance since I started my retinopathy journey in 2019. I don't know of anyone else within my family to ask about social security. I made another post recently about losing my job this week due to my eyes and job not wanting to deal with me. Several ppl suggested filing for disability.
I'm having a hard time accepting the idea that I need to head down that road. I mean, does 20/60 in good eye (has other things going on, too) with other eye blind really call for me to file for disability? I spoke with my visual rehab office the other day and one of the first things she asked is if I had filed for disability yet. My diabetes office asked the same thing and so did the vocational rehab people. I mean, is this just automatic knowledge? I lose my job and off to disability land I go? I'm 39 years old and I should be working my butt off trying to make a living for myself.
Thoughts?
I'm having a hard time accepting the idea that I need to head down that road. I mean, does 20/60 in good eye (has other things going on, too) with other eye blind really call for me to file for disability? I spoke with my visual rehab office the other day and one of the first things she asked is if I had filed for disability yet. My diabetes office asked the same thing and so did the vocational rehab people. I mean, is this just automatic knowledge? I lose my job and off to disability land I go? I'm 39 years old and I should be working my butt off trying to make a living for myself.
Thoughts?
Simply_Limeade 10 points 1y ago
If you are being suggested by healthcare professionals. Then I say go ahead. The process can take a toll. Especially if you're at a point where you're forced out of work. So it's better to get the ball rolling before you end up in a worse situation. Best of luck.
blazblu82 [OP] 6 points 1y ago
Should I try to do myself or go thru a disability law firm? I know the law firm will take a certain percentage of the back pay once the case is won.
shirleyxx 6 points 1y ago
You know, it won't hurt you to get legal advice in this area. There are many legal services where they'll help you part of the step, but its totally up to you.
Further, there are many careers to be had without 'vision'. You can go back to school, and re-invent yourself. The options are endless!
You can do it:)
Further, there are many careers to be had without 'vision'. You can go back to school, and re-invent yourself. The options are endless!
You can do it:)
Simply_Limeade 4 points 1y ago
Agreed, couldn't have said it any better.
vip-sizzles 4 points 1y ago
One thing to note is that being on disability doesn't mean you are permanently out of the workforce. SSA has a program designed for those that are interested in working & still be able to collect disability. I think applying will definitely give you more flexibility with your career path.
BlueIr1ses 3 points 1y ago
I applied and qualified for disability due to vision loss in combination with other health issues. What it came down to in the end was whether or not I was capable of continuing in my particular career. I did work with an attorney and I didn't get approved until my 2nd appeal. If you are approved, you'll have the financial flexibility and resources available to you to find another job that may work better for you now. Good luck!
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
That's encouraging. Just wish the wait wasn't so long. I did finish my application this morning after talking to a SSA rep over the phone.
carolineecouture 3 points 1y ago
You should file. First, it can take a while, and you might get denied. You can also suspend your benefits if you gain employment. I don't know if I would go to one of the disability law firms first since you might not need it; I would only do that if I had a denial or if you could get a free consultation.
Disability is a support for you; it doesn't mean you aren't a worthwhile member of society or a burden. If you were working, you paid into Social Security, so you aren't getting money unfairly if you go on disability.
Right now, my circumstances might be changing with my vision, and I'm finding out what's available; if disability is a possibility, I will take it.
Good luck to you.
Disability is a support for you; it doesn't mean you aren't a worthwhile member of society or a burden. If you were working, you paid into Social Security, so you aren't getting money unfairly if you go on disability.
Right now, my circumstances might be changing with my vision, and I'm finding out what's available; if disability is a possibility, I will take it.
Good luck to you.
bayou_firebaby 3 points 1y ago
My husband waited about 3-4 years after he was declared legally blind to file for disability, largely because he hated the idea of not being able to work and assumed he’d be denied. When he did file, he was immediately approved, with the examiner’s comment that he should have filed years before. I recommend you file. The worst they can do is say no, and there are lawyers to help you through the process.
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks for the links. I read through the top link. I'm going to apply for SSDI and see what happens. I've already started the process, but need to wait until I after I've been terminated from my job tomorrow.
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Oh, I'm not resigning. This termination process was all them. I never wrote a letter or even verbally said anything about quitting.
Its0nlyAPaperMoon 1 points 1y ago
Ok good. Do pursue any disability insurance offered through their workplace. And then file unemployment claims as long as your can. You DID lose work THROUGH NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN. Even if your SSDI is approved on the first round, it can still take some 6 months
Key_Hedgehog_5773 1 points 1y ago
20/60? Does that qualify at this point, or is it the other eye?
Asking as I’m 20/220- and also with the one eye…
Asking as I’m 20/220- and also with the one eye…
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
20/200 is legally blind and you would get the higher amount from social security.
Key_Hedgehog_5773 2 points 1y ago
Interesting. I’ve had an HR person tell me is should go that route. But honestly I actually like working, while they have me.
Its0nlyAPaperMoon 2 points 1y ago
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I like working, too. However, my employer isn't willing to deal with my vision loss and I'm getting pushed out tomorrow because of it.
shirleyxx 2 points 1y ago
Oh my Lord, assuming you’re in North America, this is not acceptable at all. They have a duty to accommodate.
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
It might qualify for low vision, but it's not blind. If I filed, I'd have to take regular disability until that 20/60 drops to 20/200.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.