Many people tout, “age is just a number.” While true, age may be more than a number and allow certain benefits, such as voting or renting a car. When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, age matters. While you can certainly be approved for SSD benefits when you are under 50, being over 50 helps.
WHY DOES BEING OVER 50 MATTER?
The SSA uses special rules for people in certain age groups. For people over 50, the SSA evaluates only whether you can return to work that you have done in the past 5 years. People under 50 can and are approved for SSD benefits, but they also must prove they cannot perform full-time work of any other kind.
KEY DIFFERENCES IN EVALUATING AGES 50 AND 55
|
Ages 50-54 |
Ages 55+ |
| Can only perform sedentary work | Limited to light work (on your feet 6 out of 8 hours per day) |
| Unable to lift more than 10 pounds | Unable to lift more than 20 pounds |
| APPROVED if you are unable to perform work you’ve done in the past 5 years. | APPROVED if you are unable to perform work you’ve done in the past 5 years. |
NOW WHAT TO DO?
Based on these rules, if you are over 50 with physical disabilities, here are a few action steps that may strengthen your claim:
Retain your medical records.
Receive treatment, but not just to receive a diagnosis. Be sure to complete any further testing or treatments your medical provider may recommend. Be sure to clearly explain all your medical issues to your provider(s); this includes physical and emotional/mental. If you are able, bring photos with you to appointments. If you claim you have inconsistent joint swelling, a photo of swollen joints is extremely beneficial and supportive of your verbal claim. It also helps your provider to see and understand what you are dealing with.
Get medical notes linked to your situation.
Be sure your provider(s) have clearly written medical notes that explain your symptoms and treatments. The SSA will be evaluating these medical notes to see if you are able to lift, bend, stand, etc. Your mental health limitations may be paramount when the SSA evaluates your ability to do your past kind of work from the last 5 years.
Accommodations made at your past employer(s).
If during the last 5 years you’ve needed accommodations to work, but still struggled to work full-time, be sure to discuss this at your hearing. Submit copies of the work limitations you have. *These may not be included in your medical provider’s notes; be sure to ask. Any accommodations that were made are evidence of why you are unable to return to this past kind of full-time work.
Whether or not it is fair, your chances of being approved for SSD benefits are higher if you are over 50. If you’re not over 50, don’t be discouraged. Keep seeking medical treatment and/or following treatment plans. Ignoring your medical provider’s advice may show that your symptoms are not as severe as you are saying.
The legal team of Parmele Disability Advocates has over 150 years of combined disability experience and has helped over 61,000 individuals receive their disability benefits. This level of experience shows that choosing Parmele for disability representation only makes sense. Call us today at 866-815-5244 to schedule your no-cost consultation. Together, we’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and determine your next best steps.
Parmele Disability Advocates. Helping you get the benefits you deserve.