[Blindtlk] Inquiry

[David Evans]

Dear Darryn,

There maybe other people out there that can answer your question 
better than me, but I will give it a try.
First, I need to know about your situation, work history and even 
your disability.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this, just do not reply to 
this e-mail.
How did you become blind and have you been certified by a doctor 
or a government agency such as your state's Division of Blind 
Services?
Were you born Blind?  If so, your parents should have gotten you 
certified and you should have been able to get SSI.  You can 
recieve SSI and still work as  long as you stay under your 
earnings cap which is $1,580 per month max.
If you were not born blind and lost your vision later in life, 
and can not work, you should still be able to get something.
If you worked, on the books and paid into SSDI for 40 quarters  
or a total of 10 years, then you are invested in SSDI and can go 
on disability and collect that.
It takes out 18 months but then you would get SSDI and Medicare 
coverage.
You would still be able to work , part time , up to your cap, but 
the amount you earned from the job would be taxable.

If you think you have a case for disability, you can talk to 
someone at your local Center for Independent Living, the office 
of Division of Blind Services or talk to a lawyer that handles 
disability claims.
I worked for over 20 years and paid into SSDI and finally became 
so blind that I had to quit driveing and leave work.
I later went back to work and worked under my earnings cap so 
that I could keep my SSDI check, medicare coverage and earn up to 
my earnings cap.
This is about all I can tell you.
If you can not earn above the "substancily gainful employment" 
limit, I think that you should be able to get some kind of check 
to help you get by.
Keep asking questions.
You could contact Jim Gashel through the NFB and explain your 
situation to him and ask for his advice.

D Evans

> ----- Original Message -----
>From: Darryn Rasmussen <support at hockeyinfoworld.com
>To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>Date sent: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:13:07 -0800 (PST)
>Subject: [Blindtlk] Inquiry

>TO anyone that can answer my question.  To summerize I am Legally 
blind 32yld that has a job at Target and work about 20hours a 
week and don't really make enough to survive.  I am not able to 
apply for SSI because they say I work so I am not eligable to 
apply for it.  I have to not be able to work to be able to apply. 
My question is there anywhere that I can get Income help that can 
help me monthly and able to afford rent and all my bills.  It 
would be great if I can get help. Thank you.

>Darryn

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