Financial Assistance for the Visually Impaired

 

There are various types of financial assistance available to the visually impaired. Some are federally funded and many are state funded.

Social Security and the Veteran's Administration and the Internal Revenue Service provide most of the federally funded services. Those would be available nationwide.

Medicaid resources are the exception. Medicaid is administered at the state level so each state determines eligibility for services and assistance and what is actually provided. Your state Medicaid office would be able to guide you.

There are also other state and local resources available to help those who need financial assistance. Check with your state agency serving the visually impaired for more information on what is available in your state.

 

 

Disabled Veterans

Veterans, disabled or not, are eligible for various benefits and support.

 

 

 

Social Security

Social Security is a "safety net" of income for older adults. Social Security offers a variety of programs designed to help older adults. There are four key ones related to older adults who are dealing with a disability.

 

They are:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Social Security
• Social Security Disability Insurance

To talk to a Social Security representative, call their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.

 

For questions and assistance understanding the many complexities of Medicare, there is another option. The Seniors Health Insurance Information Program, operating in most states, offers the help of trained volunteers to answer your questions and to offer counseling on health insurance topics, which includes Social Security.

 

 

State Services for the Visually Impaired

State governments usually offer a variety of services for low income blind and visually impaired individuals. They can help with such things as:

glasses eye exams eye surgery and treatment eye related medications glaucoma screenings hearing exams job training housing technology/adaptive aids

 

To find out which state government department serves the visually impaired in your state, contact your state aging agency, Area Agency on Aging, or go to your state government webpage and do a search.

 

 

Tax Exemptions & Deductions

There is a tax deduction based on blindness. For more information, contact the state agency for the visually impaired in your state to find out the qualifications.

To find out which state government department serves the visually impaired in your state, contact your state aging agency, Area Agency on Aging, or go to your state government webpage and do a search.

 

 

Telephone Directory Assistance

Many phone companies offer free directory assistance to those who are blind or visually impaired. Call your local company to inquire.

 

 

Copyright © 2001-2008, Triangle J Area Agency on Aging