Noteboom The Law Firm

Positive Change to SSA if You are Blind

Whether you are legally blind or have low vision, you are entitled to receive money from the government in most cases. More specifically, you should be getting either monthly Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability payments. If so, you might be noticing some changes soon.

Thanks to a recent class-action lawsuit, the Social Security Administration must discontinue the practice of sending notifications to visually impaired people only through email or phone calls. Instead, the organization must now allow you to choose whether to receive them through an audio disc for your computer, or Braille. The notices sent out typically have to do with changes, appointments, taxes, and payment cuts or increases.

Currently, you can choose whether to be contacted by phone or mail. If you do not make a choice, you will be contacted automatically by mail only. This practice will change by April 15, most notably because it is regarded as quite outdated, especially considering current technology. Many believe there is no reason to inconvenience people with certain disabilities when it can be so easily fixed.

Obviously many blind or impaired people cannot typically read and respond to notices as fast as those with perfect vision. For this reason, sending a letter is not usually effective, and when it is, more time than usual is needed so that the recipient can have someone read it and help them form a response.

Officials in support of this order believe it will create a more level playing field. Rather than keeping the blind or visually impaired at a distinct disadvantage, they now have a few preferred ways of getting notices from the SSA. Considering that about a quarter of a million people currently receive government benefits due solely to blindness, this mandate will help a lot of people.

If you, or your loved one, are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.