Disability benefits exist because many elderly, blind, and disabled people are unable to earn enough to support themselves. If your disability is not serious enough to prevent you from doing your regular job or from finding a new job that pays just as well, you do not meet the criteria for Social Security Disability. This does not mean that blind or disabled individuals are barred from working at all. You can earn up to a certain amount of money and still qualify for benefits. This amount varies depending on: Inflation Cost of living Average income where you live Any exceptions that the SSA does not include when calculating your eligibility