An estimated 10-16% of workers aged 55-60 are disability insurance beneficiaries, according to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). As we age, the risk of becoming injured or developing an illness that stops us from working rises. Although SSDI claims tend to have higher approval rates for older adults, applicants still face challenges and an increasingly complex process. A Social Security Disability lawyer for advanced age individuals can help you navigate the process.
Contact Carmichael Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your disability claim. We serve clients nationwide, and you will pay nothing to our attorneys unless we succeed with your SSD claim.
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How To Apply For Benefits After 55
Although the process of applying for benefits is the same after 55, there are several factors the SSA will take into consideration for individuals of advanced age. These factors may help improve your odds of being approved.
To be eligible for benefits, you must typically have a condition listed in the SSA’s Blue Book Listing of Impairments or be able to prove that you have an unlisted condition that keeps you from working.
The SSA also uses grid rules to determine eligibility, which considers other factors that affect your ability to support yourself, such as your age, previous work experience, education and what’s known as residual functional capacity (RFC).
RFC refers to your ability to work, both physically and mentally, despite your impairment. The SSA may categorize your RFC as sedentary, light, medium or heavy.
If your RFC is sedentary and you previously worked as a roofer, the SSA may determine that you cannot return to your previous work. The next thing the agency will consider is your ability to work elsewhere based on your education, age, work experience and other factors.
Here is where applicants over the age of 55 have an advantage. The SSA may find that your age, coupled with your education and work experience, may prevent you from working another job. Essentially, the SSA considers it more difficult to change jobs once you reach advanced age.
Due to the SSDI grid rules, applications for Social Security Disability for advanced age individuals are more likely to be approved, but there are no guarantees. The process is still challenging and complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
The experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Carmichael Law Group LLC can guide you through the process and secure the benefits you deserve.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Do I Know If I Qualify For Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security Disability for advanced age, you must have:
- A condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability
- Earned enough work credits
Generally, your condition must also prevent you from working for at least a year to qualify for SSD.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need?
Typically, you need 40 credits to qualify for benefits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years prior to your impairment. Workers can earn up to four work credits each year.
How Does the SSA Determine Whether You Have a Qualifying Disability?
Even if you have enough work credits, you must still meet the SSA’s definition of a qualifying disability to be approved for benefits.
The SSA will consider five things when making this determination:
- Whether your work activity (if you are currently working) is at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. If you earn more than the SSA’s limit, you will not be considered to have a disability.
- Whether your condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work-related tasks for at least 12 months.
- Whether your condition is in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments. If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify for benefits if you can show that your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to work.
- Can you return to your line of work?
- If not, can you perform any other type of work?
If your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to work, you cannot return to your previous job and you cannot perform any other type of work, your claim has a higher chance of being approved. For individuals of advanced age, it is generally easier to tick all of these boxes, but the application process is still complicated.
Understanding the eligibility requirements for SSD can be challenging and overwhelming. A Social Security Disability lawyer for advanced age individuals can help you understand whether you qualify and walk you through the application process.
Why Hire A Social Security Disability Lawyer If You’re Over 55?
Although the odds of being approved for SSD after 55 can be more favorable, the application process is still complicated.
The SSA will require extensive medical evidence and other information to support your claim. If your application is incomplete or is lacking evidence, your application may be denied.
Working with a Social Security Disability lawyer for advanced age applicants can make all the difference. Disability lawyers understand the system and the complex laws that govern SSD. They can help ensure that:
- Your application is complete
- You provide the right supporting documents
- You meet all deadlines
If your initial application is denied, a lawyer can guide you through the appeals process.
Why Work With Attorney Brian Carmichael?
You’ve worked hard your entire life. Now, an injury or illness is preventing you from returning to work and earning a living. At Carmichael Law Group LLC, we understand just how challenging it is to be faced with a disability and a complicated application process for benefits.
Even when you deserve and need benefits, obtaining them can be difficult.
No matter where you are in the nation, the attorneys at Carmichael Law Group can help you navigate this process. We are proud to have over 400 Google reviews from satisfied clients and are ready to assist you with your claim.
Contact us today or call us to schedule a free consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer for advanced age applicants.
