SSD for Applicants Over 50 in Johnstown

Social Security Disability benefits can be a financial lifeline for those over 50 in Johnstown, PA, who are living with an injury or illness. Still, the application and appeals processes can be challenging to navigate. A experienced Social Security Disability attorney from Berger and Green can represent you during the application process, lead any necessary appeals, and help you recover the benefits you need to make your life easier.

Our firm has invested time and resources into our Social Security Disability services, and we are intimately familiar with the claims process of obtaining benefits for SSD applicants over age 50 in Johnstown. Let us help you. You can call us today for a free consultation.

What’s Different About Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits Over 50 in Johnstown, PA?

When you’re over 50, the Social Security Administration (SSA) should not treat you like someone 20 or 30.  You are older, which means you may have professional limitations and a higher likelihood of being disabled. These limitations mean any disability may have a greater effect on your ability to work.

Our disability attorneys will ensure the SSA does not impose unrealistic demands upon you during the application process or exaggerate your ability to earn a living. An attorney from our team in Johnstown may provide valuable perspective, as we deal regularly with the SSA and understand the nuances of disability applications and appeals.

First, Understand That Your Age Does Not Prevent You from Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits

Being over 50 does not entitle you to Social Security Disability benefits from the SSA, but it does not exclude you from receiving them either. Like anyone who suffers a disabling injury or illness, you have the right to apply for disability benefits through the SSA.

As long as you meet the SSA’s eligibility criteria, you have a reasonable expectation that you should receive benefits after filing a disability claim.

The SSA Must Be Realistic About the Kinds of Work Someone Over 50 Years of Age Can Do

When evaluating someone applying for disability benefits, the SSA must determine the applicant’s residual functional capacity—meaning the type and extent of work you can complete despite your health problems. In some cases, applicants have no residual functional capacity (RFC), meaning they can’t complete any work.

The SSA may determine whether you have the capacity to complete:

• Only sedentary work
• Light work
• Medium work
• Heavy work

The SSA defines these classifications based primarily on how much lifting a job involves. This may seem like an odd criterion, but the SSA relies upon it. 

You are responsible for providing the SSA evidence or documentation that illustrates your limited residual functional capacity. Our disability attorneys for applicants over 50 can advise on how to prove your disability interferes with your ability to work.

As Someone Over 50, You May Have Significant Work Credits to Redeem

The SSA values an applicant’s disability benefits, in large part, based on their work history. You may be deserving of substantial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if:

• You have spent most of your adult life working.
• You have primarily worked in jobs that qualified for SSA work credits. 
• You have a medical condition the SSA recognizes as eligible for SSDI benefits.

Depending on how much you earn, you may receive up to four work credits per year of employment. The more credits you have at the time you apply for SSDI benefits, the higher payments you may be entitled to receive.

In this respect, being over 50 may be an advantage when you apply for SSDI benefits. Our Johnstown Over 50 Social Security Disability lawyer will discuss your specific circumstances and explain the benefits you are entitled to. We can also help you avoid a technical denial from SSA that could delay your benefits.

Why Social Security Disability Applicants Over 50 in Johnstown, PA, Hire Us to Represent Them

Social Security Disability benefits are a safety net for those over 50 who, in many cases, have spent decades working and contributing to the Social Security fund. Our firm works hard to help our clients receive the benefits their contributions entitle them to. Here are some reasons to hire Berger and Green for your case:

• Social Security Disability is an important practice area for our firm: Our attorneys focus intently on Social Security Disability cases, which lends us critical experience that we’ll use in your favor. We understand the SSA’s application requirements, eligibility criteria, and methods for calculating disability payments.
• We’ve dealt with the SSA and know what to expect: Our team regularly interacts with the SSA as we help clients resolve applications and appeals. We will take a cooperative approach as we work to secure your disability benefits.
• We take pride in helping the disabled get financial relief: Ultimately, your case is about getting much-needed financial relief in the face of one or more medical conditions. Our law office will work tirelessly on your behalf because you deserve nothing less than excellence from your Social Security disability lawyer.

We also represent those seeking Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which does not have the work history requirements that SSDI does. SSI is for those with limited assets and financial resources.

How We Will Help With Your Disability Application or Appeal in Johnstown

While filing your application will be in your hands, we will provide experience-based guidance and answer any questions you have. Our Johnstown Over 50 Social Security Disability attorney will also take the lead in any necessary appeals process.

Our lawyers want to be an immensely valuable resource for you, and we intend to help you obtain the Social Security Disability benefits you seek.

Are You Over 50 and Need Help Applying for SSD? Call Us for a Free Consultation About Social Security Disability Benefits in Johnstown, PA

If you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you should receive those benefits as soon as possible. Those over 50 may need medical attention right away, and we will help you pursue benefits to cover your treatment and other disability-related expenses. We can also help you understand how long it could take to get your Social Security Disability back pay.

Call Berger and Green today for a free consultation about how we can help with SSD for applicants over 50 in Johnstown.