Blindness, Working and Work Incentives: Answers To Your Questions

Are you blind and receiving Social Security disability benefits? Do you have questions about employment supports to help you prepare for work and understand what may happen to your benefits while you work? Look no further for answers! 

A Useful New Resource

In recognition of National Glaucoma Awareness Month and Braille Literacy Month, both in January, the Ticket to Work program is pleased to share a new resource about working and blindness. The resource, made up of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), explains available employment supports, including Social Security rules called "Work Incentives," that help people go to work without immediately losing their benefits. For people who meet the Social Security definition for blindness, the rules are more generous. For example:

• For people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Blind Work Expense (BWE) deduction allows you to subtract the cost of any reasonable expense you need for work from your earnings.
• For people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the amount of earnings Social Security uses to determine eligibility for disability cash payments (Substantial Gainful Activity) is significantly higher for people who are blind.

Other Key Resources

Along with this new resource, check out other resources related to blindness and Social Security:

• If You’re Blind Or Have Low Vision — How We Can Help (2016) 
• 2016 Social Security Red Book — Special Rules for Persons Who Are Blind

For more general information about Work Incentives, visit:

• 2016 Social Security Red Book — A Guide to Work Incentives
• Links to SSI Spotlights — 2016 Edition

If you are blind, receiving benefits, and ready to explore employment, connect with the Ticket to Work program today. We’ll be glad to help!