Disability Benefits Over 50: Special Rules for Workers

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(Newswire.net — March 31, 2021) — As we age, our bodies become less resistant to illness and diseases. Some age-related conditions can make people unable to work, with some becoming disabled by fifty. If you are not yet aged 50, the Social Security Administration considers you a young individual. 

Many people have no clue of the special rules for disabled workers over 50 years. The rules are known as grid rules, making it easier for this group to claim disability benefits. At this age, the body is prone to multiple medical conditions that hinder one’s ability to work. To qualify for an SSD over 50, you must have accumulated enough credits when you were able to work. 

One consideration that makes one qualify for disability benefits is adjusting to another work or doing the previous one with ease. However, for older workers, the SSA believes it is hard for them to adapt to new work. They may qualify for disability benefits when they cannot engage actively in their previous work.

Special Disability Benefits Rules

  • When applying for the benefits, the SSA assesses the severity of your medical condition. If it is severe enough, you may be eligible for benefits right away.
  • Check whether your condition features in SSA’s Blue Book. You can also consult a knowledgeable attorney to review your application and help you understand whether, with your evidence, you can build a strong case.
  • The rules for disability benefits change when one reaches fifty years, and it becomes easier for older individuals to receive the benefits. In case your medical condition does not qualify, you are still eligible based on a grid rule assessment. 

There are many qualifying conditions for older people, but most of them can get disability benefits even if they are physically able to perform specific tasks. Social security administration uses four factors to determine one’s disability. 

1. Residual Function Capability (RFC) 

RFC evaluates one’s strength to engage in work after disability. It also considers one’s ability to push, walk, stand, and lift—the lesser the ability, the higher your chances of qualifying for disability benefits. 

The SSA has conveniently categorized the residual function ability into four groups:

  • Light: involves being able to lift less than twenty pounds or up to ten pounds
  • Sedentary: involves being able to lift less than ten pounds
  • Medium: involves being able to lift loads from twenty pounds up to fifty pounds
  • Heavy: involves being able to lift loads more than fifty pounds. 

The above are the levels of work. If one can engage in hard work, they will not qualify for disability benefits as there are other job opportunities for people who can perform heavy labor. Other factors like education and work experience determine one’s eligibility for disability benefits after fifty years, as well. 

2. Education

Education level falls into four groups:

  • High school or higher institution graduate
  • Partial education (less than 11th grade)
  • Recently completing an educational program for a skilled job
  • Illiterate and unable to communicate fluently using the English language.

Note that the higher your level of education, the lesser your chances of qualifying for disability benefits are. But the final decision of your eligibility for the benefits is determined by the four factors in SSA’s grid rules. 

3. Skill Transferability 

Social security administration assesses one’s skills in the previous work that’s transferable to a new job position. The lesser the skills, the higher the chances of qualifying for a disability benefit. 

4. Previous Work Experience 

Social security administration will use your previous work experience to evaluate your eligibility. Based on that experience, one will be categorized as skilled, unskilled, or semi-skilled. 

Applicants with less skill have higher chances of qualifying for disability benefits. The same goes for those with less skill and who can do light work.

To Wrap It Up 

If you are a disabled worker aged fifty or older, observe the above rules before applying for disability benefits with the SSA. Also, consult with an attorney to learn more about SSD after 50 years old and help you build a strong case to boost your qualification chances.

Author Bio

Crystal A. Davis was born into a family of attorneys and was raised with a strong sense of justice. During her high school years she developed a passion for journalism and decided to combine this with her knowledge of the law. She realized that she could make her voice heard to the masses through legal journalism. Crystal is honored to follow and report on any legal case. She shares her analysis in reader-friendly articles. However, over the years, she has become a strong advocate for VA rights and made it her mission to help veterans seek justice.