Learn How Can You Get Disability Benefits If You are Over 50

With increasing age, health disorders become common, and less dangerous diseases can become more significant health problems. People who face disability issues get worried about whether they can fulfill their essential needs. Finding work with these types of disabilities after the age of 50 is itself a difficult job. But don't worry, we got you covered.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five Americans have reported having various kinds of disabilities. You can read complete details in the  U.S. Census Bureau Report and in the latest population report. Among these Americans, the majority of the people with disabilities are persons over the age of 50. For people who cannot make a living and work due to these conditions, having disability benefits over 50 can help them to financially support themselves and other family members that depend on them.

Usually, SSI and social security disabilities are hard to apply for. Because they take a longer time to claim, many applicants have a high chance of getting denied. Many people don't know that a denied application has a better probability during the hearing. 

What are the 'grid rules' that you have to maintain before applying for benefits? 

First, a social security disability reviewer will closely examine your medical history when you apply for benefits. As a result, it is important for you to understand how your medical condition matches or is equivalent to a corresponding diagnostic listing in the blue book. If your present condition is severe enough, you may be eligible to qualify for benefits. Then you will be eligible to apply for permanent disability benefits.

If your condition does not equate to or qualify as a medical impairment listed by the SSA, you can also apply for the benefits through the 'grid rule' assessment. This is a procedure to determine the extent to which your medical condition is a disability regardless of the results of your diagnosis. 

Four different factors govern 'grid rule';

• RFC or Residual Functional Capacity – The Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is a medical examination that the SSA considers to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits if you do not have an SSA-listed medical impairment. The RFA is an evaluation of your physical and mental inability to work due to your disability. The less amount of work you can do, the higher the chances are that your condition will be a disability.
  
  
• Previous Work Experience- The SSA may classify you among unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled individuals depending on your previous work history.
  
  
• Education- Based on your educational attainment level, you will be ranked from least educated or more educated such as: marginal to none, limited, high school graduate or more and either your education provides for direct entry into skilled work or not. In other words, the more educated you are, the more likely you can find work. The lesser-educated you are, the harder it may be for you to find work and the greater your need may be for disability benefits.
  
  
• Transferability of skills- Here, the SSA will check whether you can do a new job with your previous job skill. The lesser the transferable skills you have means that you may have a higher need for disability benefits.

Usually, people who are 50 or more apply for these benefits as the rules are a bit more lenient for them.

How to apply for The Benefits?

To apply for these benefits, you can go to SSA's official website and submit your application online, or you can visit your local Social Security Office to submit a paper application. Either way, you should be prepared to have all of your medical and financial paperwork ready prior to filling out your application to make it easier for you to apply and go through the interview process.

Why did you need a Disability Attorney?

It is essential to consult a disability attorney before you first submit your application or appeal a denial. Disability attorneys are not only useful for providing legal assistance. They can make your request more convincing in court. Disability benefits applicants who hire a disability attorney have been approved at much higher rates than those who apply on their own. Moreover, most disability attorneys take payments on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not have to pay any upfront costs to hire an attorney unless or until you win your case.

Our law firm offers you highly experienced and leading Philadelphia Social Security Disability Lawyers. The legal team can work with you and your doctors to make a convincing case for you in court, which can increase your probability of winning your case.