Get Some Financial Relief By Knowing the Special Rules for the Social Security Disability Over 50 Program
According to the Social Security Administration, over 25 percent of today’s 20-year-olds will experience a disabling condition before they reach the age of 67. As we age, our bodies become less resilient and more vulnerable to various diseases and conditions. Many people find themselves unable to work, and their bodies may reach a disabled state by the time they are 50.
If you are under 50, the Social Security Administration generally considers you a “younger individual.” This is true for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Fortunately, those who have paid into the system during their working years can receive compensation in the form of Social Security Disability Benefits.
As of June 2013, 8.9 million disabled workers received an average monthly benefit of $1,129. The SSA is generally more favorable to applicants over 50, often qualifying them for benefits even if they can perform light work. Workers under 50 must prove their disability prevents all types of work, assessed using Medical-Vocational Guidelines (GRID rules SSA), considering age, education, work history, and skill transferability.
It is fairly common knowledge that this is the age when otherwise-benign conditions can develop into larger, more serious problems. Therefore, if you have a medical condition that limits your ability to work, you should read about the Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50. Continue reading to learn more about the rules and get all the information.
Is Age the Only Criterion to Qualify for the Benefits?
No, you can’t qualify for Social Security Disability benefits based solely on your age. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates factors like your work history, disability status, and work capacity to determine your eligibility.
However, there’s a bit of a silver lining as you get older. The SSA tends to be more lenient with applicants over 50, and the medical criteria for this age group can be easier to meet. This means that while age alone won’t get you those benefits, being older can certainly work in your favor when meeting the SSA’s requirements.
SSA age categories
To determine eligibility for SSDI benefits, the SSA categorizes applicants into the following groups:
- Younger Individual (18-49)
- Closely Approaching Advanced Age (50-54)
- Advanced Age (55-59)
- Approaching Retirement Age (60-67)
When beneficiaries reach the retirement age, they will receive Social Security retirement benefits.
Social Security 5-Step Evaluation Process
The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate all SSDI and SSI. Here they determine eligibility:
Financial Eligibility: The SSA assesses if your work qualifies as substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 monthly or $2,590 if you’re blind.
Severe Impairment: According to Medical-Vocational rules, you must provide medical records proving that your illness or injury stops you from working for at least one year.
Impairment Criteria: The SSA checks if your condition matches those in the SSA Blue Book, their list of qualifying medical conditions.
Previous Employment: If your condition doesn’t match a listing, the SSA evaluates your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine your ability to perform work-related tasks.
Work Capacity: A medical-vocational assessment will decide if you can perform any job. If you can still do tasks related to your previous work, your disability benefits application will likely be denied. However, applicants over 50 are more likely to be approved.
The SSA regulations state that a claimant must be able to provide evidence that they cannot do any kind of work due to their disability. In addition to this, a claimant should also be able to provide valid proof of their disability, including medical records and how well they are responding to their doctor-prescribed treatment. Your disability application will be analyzed, and then the SSA can make a determination based on the evidence that you have provided.
The Role of Functional Capacity (RFC)
The SSA evaluates RFC to determine the strength-related work an applicant can perform despite limitations. RFC assesses abilities like walking, pushing, lifting, and standing. A lower RFC score increases eligibility for disability after 50. The SSA categorizes RFC into four work levels:
- Sedentary: Lift up to 10 pounds.
- Light: Lift 10-20 pounds occasionally
- Medium: Lift up to 25 pounds frequently.
1. Education: Education levels affect eligibility:
- Illiterate or unable to communicate in English
- Limited education (less than 11th grade)
- Higher school graduate or higher
- Recent educational program for skilled job
Less education often means fewer chances of approval, but all factors are considered.
2. Previous Work Experience: Based on past jobs, one is classified as skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled. Less experience or skill increases disability benefits eligibility.
3. Transferability of skills: SSA evaluates its skills from previous jobs and can transfer them to new positions. Fewer transferable skills may enhance eligibility.
The Role of ‘Age’ in Social Security Disability Benefits
Though not only the factor, but age plays an important factor in determining whether your application will be selected. About 156 million workers were granted SSDI benefits due to a long-lasting impairment, and about 8.2 million disabled workers were granted SSDI after 50 benefits.
Applicants Age 50 to 54
The SSA doesn’t have special rules for applicants aged 50-54. However, if you’re in this age group, disabled, and unable to do physically demanding work, your chances of getting approved for benefits may improve.
Applicants Age 55 to 60
For those aged 55 to 0, the SSA Considers age, work experience, educational level, and ability to perform less demanding work. Serious health issues can lead to quicker approval. The SSA also uses vocational experts to assess your ability to work.
Applicants Older Than 60
Disability rules are more flexible for claimants over 60. If you have a disability and can’t work, you’ll likely receive benefits. This determination can increase your chances of receiving full Social Security retirement benefits at 62 rather than reduced benefits at an earlier age.
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.
- It can be beneficial to have a Social Security 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 allow the SSA to assess how disabled a person 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.
Final Words
Understanding the Social Security Disability rules after age 50 can significantly improve your chances of receiving benefits. With special provisions and considerations for older workers, the application process can be more straightforward with the right support.
If you’re considering applying for disability benefits, you might feel overwhelmed by the complicated process. But don’t worry. A Social Security disability attorney can help improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact a reliable team of attorneys, such as Nationwide Disability Representatives.
At Nationwide Disability Representatives, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our experienced team can guide you through the complexities of your claim, ensuring you get the benefits you deserve.
Don’t wait; contact Nationwide Disability Representatives today to secure your future and protect your financial well-being.