[Job-Discussions] Looking for more information on SSDI requirements for employed blind people

[Maya Pureseva Jeffrey]

Hi list,


It's not exactly job related, my apologies if my question is off-topic, 
I am just not sure where else to ask. If this is not allowed, please 
feel free to reply off list. I know the topic came up some time ago, but 
it would be tedious to go through list archives to locate something of 
value.


A little bit of  background information: I was born with ROP, I moved to 
this country about 3 years ago, and have been employed for almost two 
years, I have been paying into the social security system the entire 
time. Right now I am a permanent resident waiting for an extension of my 
residency status and getting on my path to citizenship.


As I mentioned, it's going to be two years coming up in April, I believe 
I made some contributions to SSA. I was thinking to look into social 
security disability so my husband and me could get a little extra income 
to support a family. I was just curious whether I would qualify and what 
eligibility requirements there were for blind people. The information on 
the Internet is so scattered and it's hard to make heads or tails out of 
it. There is something about the number of quarters one has to work for 
(40 quarters under normal circumstances). I read that there were some 
exceptions for blind people, and based on the age, one could work for 18 
months to qualify for disability. before the age of 31. I am getting 
slightly confused with complete lack of clarity on everything that has 
to do with SSDI, so I would really appreciate if somebody could give me 
more detailed information on what to expect, what documentation I have 
to provide, would I have to just establish current blindness, perhaps 
there is a form the doctor has to be aware of... Also, would the fact 
that I am still employed get in the way? I would hate to waste my time 
on the application only to find out that I wouldn't match SSA  criteria 
from the getgo.


I know everything that has to do with SSA is extremely confusing and 
overly complicated, and people have to go through multiple denials to 
get there SSI and SSDI, perhaps some totally blind folks had some 
experience applying while being employed, or somebody is in a similar 
boat as me. Your answers will be really appreciated.


Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend!


Maya

Maya at tiflo.info