SSD for Applicants Over 50 in Steubenville

Those over the age of 50 in Steubenville who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may face special considerations. The process of applying for these benefits is already complicated, being over the age of 50 may make securing benefits easier.

A Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green can represent you as you apply for much-needed financial relief. We can advise you during the claims application process, represent you in hearings with the Social Security Administration (SSA), and manage the appeals process on your behalf if necessary.

What Those Over 50 in Steubenville Should Know About Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits

Older people can be more prone to suffering health problems. However, being 50-plus introduces unique considerations when applying for SSDI or SSI benefits:

• The fundamental rule of Social Security Disability applies to you: Every time the SSA receives an application for disability benefits, it must determine the severity of the applicant’s ailment and whether this ailment prevents them from completing substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you cannot earn enough income to support yourself because of your disability, you could be eligible for SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, or both.
• The SSA will be realistic about your work limitations as someone over the age of 50: If you were in your 20s, 30s, or even 40s, you may be able to perform a wider range of employment opportunities. Those in their 50s may have a smaller pool of employment opportunities to choose from—working construction, for example, may no longer be realistic or safe. As it evaluates your ability to work, the SSA will conduct tests to determine if you could realistically work based on your current medical condition.
• You may face a less stringent standard for receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, but you can’t assume the SSA will grant your application: Knowing that someone over 50 may be less able to overcome an injury and maintain gainful employment, the SSA should be more empathetic to your circumstances. However, you can never assume that your disability application is a sure thing.

Steubenville Social Security disability attorneys from Berger and Green regularly assist applicants over the age of 50. We understand the unique considerations that will come with your own application, and we’re ready to assist you.

How the SSA Determines Eligibility for Disability Benefits When the Applicant Is Over 50

The SSA takes a comprehensive view when determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. When you apply, expect the SSA to weigh:

• Your work history: One of the most important qualifications for SSDI benefits is your work history. The longer you work in jobs that deduct Social Security payments from your earnings, the more work credits you amount. These work credits may be central in determining the size of any SSDI payments you are entitled to. Work history can also dictate the type of work you’re qualified to perform.
• Your health: Medical history is perhaps the most important criteria when determining one’s eligibility for disability benefits. A history of painful ailments (like knee injuries with lingering symptoms) or a current medical condition that is debilitating (like cancer or a severe back injury) can make you eligible for disability benefits.
• Your educational level and professional abilities: If you lack the education, professional training, or cognitive abilities to perform certain roles, this could limit your current professional opportunities to find a new career.

We will ensure the SSA has all necessary information to evaluate your application fairly and accurately. This can help you avoid a technical denial from SSA.

The SSA Will Consider Which Types of Work You Could Plausibly Do

The SSA refers to residual functional capacity (RFC) as the most amount of work you can do considering your age, physical abilities, cognitive abilities, and medical conditions. These factors will ultimately determine how much income you can earn. If you can no longer do the job that you used to, you may be unable to earn a living wage and be deserving of substantial SSDI or SSI benefits.

The SSA categorizes applicants into grids based on the types of work they could realistically perform:

• Sedentary work: This work does not require much movement, lifting, or physical strain. Many applicants over the age of 50 may be only able to complete sedentary work.
• Light work: If a job requires you to lift light weight occasionally, it may qualify as light work.
• Medium work: As a job requires someone to lift heavier weight (between 25 and 50 pounds), the job crosses into medium-work territory.
• Heavy work: This kind of work requires the employee to lift more than 50 pounds on a regular basis, and is the type of job not suitable for many employees over 50.

Being in any of these categories does not disqualify you from receiving Social Security disability benefits, but your classification will be relevant to your claim. Our team can understands what the SSA is looking for when evaluating that disability application of someone over the age of 50.

Should I Hire an Attorney to Assist with My Application for SSDI or SSI Benefits in Steubenville?

Those with disabilities are often in pain and restricted by their medical conditions. Our team can help you navigate aspects of the application process, and we will represent you in dealings with the SSA.

Our advice and experience with SSDI and SSA claims could prove immensely valuable to you. Your application may come with high stakes (namely, whether you receive the monthly payments you seek), and we can lead any necessary appeal for you. While you may not need an attorney to file a Social Security Disability claim, having one looking out for your rights and interests can improve your chances of being awarded SSDI or SSI benefits.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation About Pursuing Social Security Disability Benefits in Steubenville, OH, After Age 50

As you consider hiring our law office, you can review the testimonials former clients have left for Berger and Green. We have helped many clients in Ohio over 50 obtain the disability benefits they deserve, both through SSDI and SSI. Our Steubenville Social Security Disability lawyer from our team will fight for your benefits, too.

Call Berger and Green today for your free, no-obligation consultation.