An impairment of an individual’s vision, hearing, or speech can be devastating. If such an impairment will inhibit the ability to work, an individual may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) Benefits. Social Security Disability Benefits will not replace all the income you lose from not working, but they can help relieve some of the financial pressures that such lost wages create.
In order for your sensory injury or impairment to qualify for SSD benefits, it must fall under the specific government guidelines for such injuries. The guidelines require certain thresholds of severity to be met before benefits will be granted. For example, statutory blindness requires vision that 20/200 or poorer in the best corrected eye. Medical proof of any sensory impairment will be required.
Visual impairments that inhibit reading or seeing or hearing loss, even if it’s been treated with a cochlear transplant, may qualify for SSD benefits. Hearing loss is demonstrated by auditory tests and the ability to recognize words. Disturbances of the labyrinthine-vestibular functions that affect hearing or balance also fall within the SSD guidelines. Loss of the ability to speak can also result in benefits.
The application process for SSDI benefits for injuries or other ailments can seem overwhelming, particularly while the affected individual is trying to adjust to living with a sensory impairment. An experienced attorney can relieve some of the stress during the initial application. An attorney can also help to ensure that the application is submitted correctly and with all the necessary details and supporting documentation, so that financial assistance is on its way quickly as possible.
Source: SSA.gov, “2.00 Special Senses and Speech – Adult,” accessed on Jan. 9, 2018
