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

[ddavis at blindinc.org]

Maya, 
Call me at +16127190753.
Dick Davis 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 22, 2021, at 12:06 PM, Maya Pureseva Jeffrey via Job-Discussions <job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Job-Discussions mailing list
> Job-Discussions at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/job-discussions_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Job-Discussions:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/job-discussions_nfbnet.org/ddavis%40blindinc.org