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If you are awarded disability benefits or disabled widow/widower benefits, the cash benefit starts after a 5 month waiting period (i.e. on the 6th month after the individual becomes disabled). It is also important to note that benefits can’t be paid more than 1 year before the date of the completed application.

If you are awarded childhood disability benefits, the cash benefit starts as of the onset date. However, benefits cannot be awarded for more than 6 months before the date of the completed application.

If you awarded SSI, benefits start at the beginning of the first month following the date of the completed application.

For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the amount you receive will be dependent on how much you have worked/earned in the past. Additionally, you will typically a receive a raise in monthly payments at the start of each new year due to increased cost-of-livings, and in most instances your children under 18 will get benefits separate from your own. On average, workers receive around $800/month.

If you are a disabled widow or widower, the amount you receive from SSDI will depend on how much your late spouse worked/earned.

If you are awarded Disabled Adult Child Benefits, the amount of monthly benefits is based on a percentage of your covered parent’s rate.

Yes, there are special social security disability rules for people who are blind or have impaired vision. The SSA considers you to be legally blind if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/20 in your better eye, or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens. Many people who meet the legal definition of blindness still have some sight, and may be able to read large print and get around without a cane or a guide dog. If you do not meet the legal definition of blindness, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your vision problems alone or combined with other health problems prevent you from working.

Many special rules exist for people who are blind that recognize the severe impact of blindness on an individual’s ability to work. For example, the monthly earnings limit for blind people is typically higher than the limit that applies to non-blind disabled workers. The monthly earnings limit in 2011 was $1,640.

If you cannot work due to HIV or AIDS, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Like other disabilities, the evaluation will depend on whether your disability will last at least a year or end in death, and prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful work. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also available if your child has HIV or AIDS, depending on the same household income and resource limits for SSI claimants.

Yes, so long as gross earnings are below a specified amount. If you experience medical improvement, unlimited earnings are allowed for up to 9 months while disability benefits will still continue under a Trial Work Period.