I receive retirement and am legally blind with retinitis pigmentosa, can I also file for disability?Dear Sir/Madam: I have a concerned question, about my non-cureable disability, I was born with an eye diseased called retinitis pigmentosa, no cures available at this time. I am legally blind, at present I am receiving regular social security benefits once a month. I was receiving SSDI benefits, until I turned 66 this year. My main question is, would I be eligible for disability benefits, in regards to my legal blindness status. Would I not be eligible for some kind of financial assistance under federal status, or state level? All I would like to know is if I am eligible to file a claim for disability, in regards to my issue. A prompt reply would be most appreciated, Thanking you in advance for your assistance in this request. In reading over your question, the amount you are receiving is the most you can receive in Social Security benefits. This is because your disability benefit has converted to full retirement benefits as do all disability beneficiaries at full retirement age. Full retirement or disability benefits are the highest amount payable to you. Another way of explaining this is that when a person is insured for Social Security Disability--as a result of earned quarters of credit through their work history--and they are awarded benefits on the basis of satisfying the SSA definition of disability (which means being approved on the basis of A) satisfying the requirements of a listing in the Social Security listings book, or B) by being awarded a medical-vocational allowance determination that shows you cannot return to your past work, or perform any other type of work based on your age, education, physical and mental limitations, and work skills), then they are essentially receiving a benefit amount that they would have gotten at retirement age. They are simply getting it sooner on the basis of being disabled. I wish I had something more helpful to tell you but Social Security benefits amounts are based upon your earnings not your individual medical impairments. And no one can file for disability benefits after full retirement. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Blind in one eye and a Learning Disability, Do I have a Case? Receiving Social Security Disability benefits if you are blind Legally blind with retinitis pigmentosa, can I also file for disability? Getting approved for disability based on being blind Information on the following topics can be found here: Social Security Disability Questions and in these subsections: Frequently asked questions about getting Denied for Disability Benefits | FAQ on Disability Claim Representation | Info about Social Security Disability Approvals and Being Approved | FAQ on Social Security Disability SSI decisions | The SSD SSI Decision Process and what gets taken into consideration | Disability hearings before Judges | Medical exams for disability claims | Applying for Disability in various states | Selecting and hiring Disability Lawyers | Applying for Disability in North Carolina | Recent articles and answers to questions about SSD and SSI |
