The Approval Guide: Social Security Disability after the age of 50

As an American citizen, you have been paying taxes through various salary deductions toward government programs during your working span. These deductions entitle you to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if and when you need it. Unlike what most people believe, these benefits are not limited to those injured at work but apply to ANY illness that prevents you from maintaining a steady job and income.

So if you find yourself faced with a disabling medical condition (even if it is a temporary one) that is likely to last at least one year, you can apply for SSDI. Remember, you are entitled to it. The SSDI program prevents you from suffering economic loss due to illness or disability and ensures that you avoid serious problems like foreclosures, bankruptcies or home evictions.

The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain members of your family (like your spouse, your divorced spouse, children and adult children disabled before the age of 22) if you are insured. This means that you have been in the workforce for a defined length of time (and until recently) and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings.

Social security disability after the age of 50

As we age, we are prone to different diseases and to more severe forms of an existing disease. It is not uncommon for some to be unable to work due to age-related medical issues by the time they reach 50.

Many are not aware of the special rules for disability programs for people over 50 years of age. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that it can be more difficult for older workers to adjust to a new type of work. So older workers are treated more favourably in the SSA’s grid rules.

Whether you qualify for SSD after 50 depends on several factors.

Special rules for those above the age of 50

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) grid rules evaluate how disabled an individual is. These rules evaluate if you can perform any other jobs or assess whether your condition will not allow you to work anymore. The grid rules determine your Residual Functional Capacity to evaluate how much strength-related work you can do. The lesser the capacity, the better the chances are of being eligible for disability after 50.

Evaluating your level of functioning

The four categories of functioning capacity used in the grid are: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy. Even if older workers may be physically capable of performing at one of these functional capacity levels, they may not be able to adjust to a new type of work, making them eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Other factors such as skill level and education also play an important role in determining your eligibility for disability benefits after 50.

Qualification criteria

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.

Under the SSDI program, the Social Security Administration or SSA considers you as disabled if:

•  You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
• You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Evaluating your work history

Besides disability, the other main category for eligibility for SSDI is to show a long enough work history, indicating that you have paid taxes and contributed toward social security benefits.

The SSA determines your eligibility for SSDI based on a work credit system.

• Credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income.
• The number of credits you need depends on the age at which you become disabled,
• Your income before disability is also considered
• Finally, the number of years you paid your taxes is also factored in.

Remember, the number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age – the older you are, the more credits are required.

How the SSA tests your work credit

There are two tests that the SSA uses to evaluate you for work credits:

1) The “recent work” test: This test looks at your work history just before your disability.

2) The “duration of work” test: This test looks at your total work through your life and not just the period before the disability.

Severity of impairment

To receive disability benefits, the SSA must determine that your impairment is severe enough to prevent you from carrying out any regular paying job. But if you are over 50, new Social Security regulations allow a more realistic look at your age, education and work experience to determine if you are disabled.

Transferability of skills

If you are over 50 and incapable of doing your past job, rehabilitating you to do other jobs may be difficult. The SSA recognizes that you may be less adaptable to a new job. For example, if you are 50 years old, can’t do your past work and are limited to only sedentary work, you can be found disabled if you have no transferable skills to sedentary work.

Obtaining approval of disability status

You can apply online, by phone or in person. Here’s a glance at the benefits application process for obtaining approval:

• You first gather all the information and documents you need to apply. You can print and review the Adult Disability Checklist from the SSA website, as this will help you collect all the information required to complete the application.
• File a detailed and complete application along with all relevant documents.
• Check for application status online.
• If not approved, appeal the decision.

Sounds overwhelming? You are not alone! Many people find the paperwork confusing or quite simply tiresome and need help gathering the right documents and ensuring that the correct details are filled in the application.

Princeton Disability Advocates: At your side, every step of the way

If you are above the age of 50 years and facing disability, Princeton Disability Advocates can help you file a claim and address initial denials that may arise. Our expert advocates will help you understand your eligibility, prepare your documents, and file your SSDI application. We help citizens improve their chances to qualify for the SSD insurance and income program.

Contact us for a free assessment today and let our advocates help you achieve the disability benefits you deserve.