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2. How much is the SGA for a person who is blind for 2001?
1. What is Social Security's definition of "Blind"? SSA's definition of Blind is when your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye, or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with Corrective lens. Many people who meet the legal definition of blindness still have some sight and my be able to read large print and get around without a cane or guide dog. If you do not meet the legal definition of blindness, you still may qualify for benefits if your vision problems alone or coupled with other health problems prevent you from doing substantial work.
3. How much income does an individual who is blind need to earn before SSA reimburses the provider for the claimants rehabilitation? For Title II (SSDI- SSDAC) beneficiaries SSA uses SGA for individuals that are blind. For Title XVI (SSI) uses SGA amount for people who are not blind. However, recipients of SSI can substantially reduce income counted toward SGA by the Blind Work Expense (BWE) deductions. The person using BWEs will be able to earn a great deal before SSA recognizes SGA. POM reference SGA DI 26005.005 Title XVI (B) Statutorily Blind individuals
are eligible for SSI payments even if they are engaging in SGA, Provided
the other requirements for eligibility are met; e.g., Income & resource
specifications.
4. If a beneficiary of Title II who experiences blindness opens her own business, how is a TWP month calculated or the SGA determined during the EPE? A. There is no different test for the TWP it remains the same for
the beneficiaries who are not blind. Self-employed beneficiaries of Title
II who experience blindness are evaluated for SGA solely on earnings.
A separate evaluation of the time spent in the business is not made as
it is for beneficiaries who are not blind. |