Can my brother with vision loss and limited work history qualify for SSI? Never paid enough into Social Security

Yes, your brother might qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) since it doesn't require work credits like regular Social Security Disability (SSDI). SSI is specifically designed for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, which sounds exactly like your brother's situation. He needs to apply ASAP and make sure he has medical documentation of his eye condition and other physical issues. SSA will evaluate whether his conditions prevent him from working. The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for individuals ($3,000 for couples), but his trailer might be exempt as his primary residence. The truck may count as a resource unless it's needed for transportation. Tell him not to worry about the previous SSDI denial - this is a completely different program with different requirements.

my uncle got SSI with hardly any work history. but they're super picky about assets. make sure your brother knows they'll check EVERYTHING - bank accounts, property, vehicles. even the crypto could be an issue if it's worth much. good luck!

I tried to get SSI three times before finally getting approved!!!! The system is RIGGED against us and they deny EVERYONE the first time!!! Your brother NEEDS to get a disability lawyer who only gets paid if he wins. They take like 25% of backpay but WORTH IT. Also tell him to apply for state benefits while waiting - maybe food stamps and medicaid. SSI takes FOREVER and they'll make him jump through hoops. They're going to say he can still do "sedentary work" even with no eyesight, GUARANTEE IT. Fight fight fight!

Let me clarify a few things about your brother's potential eligibility: 1. SSI is definitely the right program to explore since it doesn't require work history like SSDI. 2. For disability determination purposes, SSA considers someone legally blind if their better eye has vision no better than 20/200 with correction, or their visual field is 20 degrees or less. 3. Even if he doesn't meet the standard for blindness, his combination of impairments (back injury, vision problems, etc.) may still qualify him as disabled if they prevent substantial gainful activity. 4. Resource limits for SSI in 2025 are $2,000 for an individual. His home and one vehicle are usually exempt. 5. The application should include ALL medical conditions, not just his eyes. I recommend he begin the application process immediately rather than waiting for his next appointment. He can always update his file with new medical evidence. The determination process takes time, so starting sooner is better.

When I was trying to contact SSA about my mom's disability application, I was on hold for HOURS and kept getting disconnected. Literally took me a week of trying. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Your brother will need to talk to SSA multiple times during this process, so might be worth checking out. Made a huge difference for us during the application mess.

Hey just wondering but has your brother ever applied for any state disability programs? Some states have their own disability assistance separate from federal SSI. Also, does he qualify for any veterans benefits? Just thinking outside the box here.

wait did he get hurt on jobs where he was paid under the table? bc thats gonna make it harder to prove he was working at all. my cousin had similar problem. make sure he remembers names of contractors he worked for cuz they might need statements. also the eye thing - that sounds like definite disability to me!

For your brother's upcoming SSI application, here's what he should prepare: 1. Complete medical history with names/addresses of all healthcare providers 2. Dates of all surgeries and major procedures 3. List of all current medications 4. Names/contact information for anyone who can verify his conditions and limitations 5. If possible, a detailed work history for the past 15 years (even informal jobs) Regarding the eye condition specifically, SSA will consider how it affects his ability to function. Even if his vision doesn't meet the technical definition of blindness, the combined effect of all his impairments is what matters. Also, once he applies for SSI, he should automatically be screened for any other programs he might qualify for.

btw if he gets ssi he'll probably qualify for medicaid and snap too. auto enrollment in most states. at least that would help with food and medical care while waiting for everything else.

One more thing about SSI - make sure your brother understands they'll check his living situation. If he's living with family who provide food and shelter without charging him fair market value, SSA may reduce his SSI payment by up to 1/3 (this is called "in-kind support and maintenance"). Not saying he shouldn't apply, just be prepared to document any rental agreements or contributions he makes toward his living expenses.