How We Can Help You If You Are Applying For Disability When Youre Over 50
Anyone with a disability that is severe enough to keep them from working can apply for Social Security Disability. Those applying for disability benefits over 50 may find it a bit easier to be approved for Social Security Disability. You will still have to show that you have worked enough quarters to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, and you will still have to show you are too disabled to work.
The SSA understands that disabilities are more likely as we age, and our bodies become less resistant to injury and illness. Further, the requirements regarding whether you can reasonably perform a different type of work become easier after 50 as education or training for a different kind of job becomes more difficult as we age. The SSA classifies agein the context of receiving disability benefitsas:
If you need disability benefits over 50, although the rules are somewhat more relaxed, you can still benefit from having an experienced Toledo Social Security Disability attorney from Schaffer & Associates to guide you through the entire process.
What Are The Criteria That Determine The Disability For People Over 50
Administered by the SSA, the Social Security disability programs deliver regular monthly payments to those in need. These payments can vary based on a variety of factors. However, all payments have one thing in common the SSA determines the exact amount based on a strict set of criteria.
The criteria that the SSA has established for individuals to qualify for benefits differ between the two programs.
- The first program is called Social Security Disability Insurance , and it is designed to benefit disabled workers.
- The second program is called Supplemental Security Income , and it is designed for people who have limited financial means.
- Both programs rely on the same strict definition of disability.
As we age, we inevitably become more susceptible to serious health issues. Many people in their 50s will begin to encounter problems relating to their health or mobility. Disability onset can be either slow or swift, and it can be both daunting and crippling. Fortunately, Social Security for those over the age of 50 is available for qualified applicants. People in their 50s have better options now than ever before. If you or someone you know is over age 50, help may be available for you.
The SSA has now made applying for disability over 50 programs even easier. These changes reflect an increased awareness of the unique needs of an aging population.
What Rules Do You Need To Know To Apply For Disability After 50
- If you plan to apply for disability benefits, the SSA will assess your medical condition. If the SSA determines that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing any meaningful work, then your chance of getting approved for disability benefits will likely increase.
- Before applying, you should consider checking whether your condition is listed in the SSAs Blue Book. It can be beneficial to have a lawyer review your application before you submit it to the SSA. They can help you understand whether it makes sense for you to apply for disability benefits or whether there are better options for you to pursue.
- Many rules change for disability benefits after 50, and it can be somewhat easier for individuals to get the SSD benefits they need when they reach that age. If your medical condition does not make you eligible for benefits, you may still be able to seek financial assistance in other ways.
The Social Security disability grid rules help the SSA evaluate how disabled an individual is, regardless of their medical condition and official diagnosis. It can help to assess whether an applicant can work at any other job or whether their condition is limiting to the extent that it prevents them from working at all.
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Is It Easier To Get Disability Benefits After 50
Yes, it can be easier to qualify for disability benefits as you get older. Especially after age 50, it becomes simpler to satisfy the eligibility requirements. This is because, with age, an applicants working years will also usually increase. For certain types of disability benefits, eligibility can be determined based on the applicants earned work credits. This factor can take you one step closer to qualifying for the SSDI benefits you deserve.
Applicants who want to pursue SSDI benefits must be unable to work full time, and their disability must have prevented them from engaging in any meaningful work for at least a year. The work requirements specify that an applicant must have at least 40 Social Security credits to become eligible for SSDI, in addition to having a history of paying the related Social Security taxes to earn those work credits. On average, in one year, a person can earn up to four work credits.
Odds Of Winning Social Security Disability When Youre Over 55
As a persons age increases, the odds of winning Social Security Disability benefits also increase. The SSA classifies any person who is 55-59 years of age in the advanced age group. Applicants in the advanced age group have a much better chance of receiving SSD and SSDI benefits, because they may be considered disabled under SSA guidelines, even when its determined that they can perform light or sedentary job tasks.
The SSAs Blue Book contains information about the illnesses and medical conditions that the SSA determines to constitute a disability. If the Blue Book does not list an applicants condition, the SSA uses grid tables to determine if a claimant is disabled. Its common for the SSA to use grid tables for adult applicants over the age of 55. The SSA rarely uses grids for adults under the age of 50 because this age group frequently doesnt meet the qualifications for disability. Grid tables favor older adults. If they are 55 years old and older and cant participate in light or sedentary job tasks, the SSA does not expect them to participate in any vocational adjustment training.
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Why Apply For Social Security Disability Over 50
If you are over age 50 and disabled, you should apply for social security disability. The social security office lowers the disability tests for older people. This, in turn, makes it easier for the applicant to be approved. So dont delay. File your Social Security disability claim as soon as possible.
With the help of a skilled disability attorney, the process is even easier. If you have already filed a claim, an attorney can still help. You may face denial for many reasons. It can be due to a lack of evidence. It can be due to confusion over the process. It may even be due to bad lawyer advice.
It is time to consult an experienced lawyer!
At Hanson & Fisher Law Office, we have helped many disability claimants who couldnt afford lawyers. Fortunately, we are different. We dont charge you unless Social Security approves you for benefits!
Our skilled and dedicated attorneys will review your case. We will walk through all possible legal options to get you the benefits you deserve.
Disability for People Over 50 is important. This is why you need a lawyer. You dont want to wait around if youre disabled. You need money as soon as possible. Our lawyers offer personalized help for every step of the way. We will assist from the first application to the benefits stage.
Special Rules For Workers Over Age 50 Who Apply For Disability Benefits
According to the Social Security Administration, more than 25 percent of todays 20-year-olds will be put out of work by a disabling condition before reaching the age of 67. A disability becomes more likely as workers age and their bodies become less resistant to injury and illness.
Fortunately, for qualifying disabled workers who have paid enough into the system, compensation may be available in the form of Social Security Disability benefits. As of June, 2013, the Social Security Administration reported that there were 8.9 million disabled workers receiving Social Security Disability at an average monthly benefit of $1,129. While a worker of any age can apply for benefits after suffering a disability, for older workers, special rules may make it easier to obtain Social Security Disability.
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Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50 And 60
If you are among those who think of Social Security as only for the elderly, consider the fact that one in four of 20-year-old workers suffer a disabling illness or injury before they reach retirement age. Until you or a member of your family becomes disabled, you may not realize the number of people who benefit from Social Security disability.
According to the most recently available statistics from the Social Security Administration, 9.1 million people receive disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program, and 7.8 million of their spouses receive family benefits. Meanwhile, more than 5.2 million people collect survivor benefits as a result of the death of a loved one who was eligible for Social Security benefits.
Its obvious that Social Security is not only for the elderly, so continue reading as we explain the Social Security disability rules that apply after ages 50 and 60 to workers and members of their families. If you have questions about specific SSD rules and the effect, they may have on you and your family, contact a disability lawyer at the Clauson Law Firm, PLLC, for a free consultation.
How Age & Capacity Relate
Your age and functional capacity are important. The SSA will look closely at both. For example, people from ages 50 to 54 may still perform sedentary labor and collect disability benefits.
People from ages 55 to 59 can be eligible for social security disability benefits, even if they can perform light work.
In some cases, people between 60 and 64 years of age may receive disability even if they can perform medium work.
Many disabled workers get Social Security Over 50. It is often easier to get benefits as you age. Even so, the rules for over-age-50 disability claims are complicated. It is important that people still seek expert legal help.
If you want full benefits as quickly as possible, you need help.
A top Social Security Disability lawyer can file a claim on your behalf. Your attorney can also address initial denials and other issues that come. If you need to appeal, the best lawyers will know how to proceed.
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Claimants Age 50 To 54
The Social Security Administration has special rules for claimants over 50. If you are over 50 with a disabling condition and can no longer do the sort of work you have done in the past, then Social Security must take your age into account when considering whether or not you can do other work. As a Younger Individual, Social Security holds you to a stricter standard for disability. At this age, you will only be determined to be disabled if you are unable to perform any job in the national economy.
Social Security Disability For Claimants Over The Age Of 50
Claimants over the age of 50 have a better chance of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits as the definition of disability changes for people older than 50.
If physical impairment requirements are not met, claimants over 50 can still be approved based on a grid system that evaluates age, education and related past work and skills. Once a claimant turns 55, getting approved gets even easier.
If you are over age 50, the Social Security Administration will consider your age as well as your medical condition and limited work experience in adjusting to other work. At age 55 or older, the Social Security Administration recognizes that you may have significant problems in adjusting to other work and the Social Security Administration also has specific rules for those who are closely approaching retirement age .
The process of applying for SSDI or SSI benefit claims can be complicated. Many applicants end up frustrated due to the long wait times and technical nature of the application process. Hiring a
Social Security Disability attorney such as Michael Monce not only streamlines the application process, it increases your chances of winning a claim.
If youre looking for a Social Security Disability lawyer in the Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana, or Greater Cincinnati area call the law office of Michael Monce at 344-8090
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Adults With A Disability That Began Before Age 22
An adult who has a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits if their parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. We consider this a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.
The Disabled Adult Child who may be an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild must be unmarried, age 18 or older, have a qualified disability that started before age 22, and meet the definition of disability for adults.
Example
It is not necessary that the DAC ever worked. Benefits are paid based on the parent’s earnings record.
- A DAC must not have substantial earnings. The amount of earnings we consider substantial increases each year. In 2022, this means working and earning more than $1,350 a month.
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Factors Other Than Age The Ssa Considers
In addition to age and RFC, the SSA will also evaluate your medical information and education. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable illness or injury an impairment that has been subjected to laboratory and clinical testing and is supported by medical evidence. In addition, you must be able to show that your medical condition has lasted, or is expected to last 12 months, or to result in death.
If your ability to perform basic work activities is impaired, your medical condition must also make it unlikely that you can perform the tasks of another job. The SSA will consider whether your education provides you with transferable skills. If you are 50 and older, the SSA will likely find that you cannot learn a new job.
The SSA also considers whether you are able to earn a living. While you are allowed to work when applying for or receiving SSDI, there is a cap on monthly earnings .
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Managing Disability Over Age 50
The best way to secure yourself financially if you have a disability over 50 years old is to pursue disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will first determine if an applicant has a specific disability listed in the Blue Book. The Blue Book is the SSAs listing of impairments that are considered severe enough to keep an adult from maintaining gainful employment. Some applicants are disabled but do not meet Blue Book criteria. While this may add some additional requirements to your application, you can still qualify for Social Security Disability Over 50.
When a claimant does not meet a specific disability listing and cannot perform work for a period of time, the SSA will apply Medical-Vocational Guidelines, which is a series of federal regulations, colloquially referred to as the grid rules or simply the grids. The grids are a series of tables that say when applicants are disabled or not-disabled, based on their residual functional capacity , age, education level, skill level of their past work, and whether they learned any skills in their old job that they could use in a new position.
It is essential to understand the rules of disability over 50 program before applying for benefits. A qualified attorney will explain every detail of the process and can assist you with a successful application for benefits.
Benefits for Over 50-Year-Old Applicants are Approved Based on Four Important Considerations:
At Age 55 It Gets Even Better
If you are over age 55, and if you cannot do your past work because of health problems you are a good candidate for disability benefits. Again, the Social Security Administration considers your age, education, past work and your ability to transfer your work skills to less demanding work. Frequently, Social Security uses Vocational Experts to testify at hearings about ones ability to transfer work skills.
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Benefits For Widows Or Widowers With Disabilities
If something happens to a worker, benefits may be payable to their widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse with a disability if the following conditions are met:
- The widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse is between ages 50 and 60.
- The widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse has a medical condition that meets our definition of disability for adults and the disability started before or within seven years of the worker’s death.
Widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses cannot apply online for survivors benefits. If they want to apply for these benefits, they should contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment
To speed up the application process, complete an Adult Disability Report and have it available at the time of your appointment.
We use the same definition of disability for widows and widowers as we do for workers.
Contact An Attorney To Help Strengthen Your Claim
The grid rules can be a useful tool to win a disability claim for people between the ages of 50-54, but understanding the nuances of how Social Security uses the grid can be confusing. Consider contacting an experienced disability attorney or advocate who can help you understand what Social Security needs to see before the agency can find you disabled according to the grid.
To find an attorney in your area, visit our disability attorney locator tool.
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