Many people believe that you have to be 65 years of age to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD). However, people of all ages can be approved for benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes a number of factors into consideration when determining who should receive benefits. In some cases, age may be a factor for approval of disability benefits, but it is only one of many determinations. The main determining factors are your ability to work and your medical condition.
Do not assume that just because you are a specific age or because you can perform certain tasks that you may not be eligible for SSD benefits. If your application for benefits has been denied, contact a leading Social Security Disability benefits lawyer in Phoenix today for a free consultation. We offer free consultations and will guide you through the appeals process.
The Social Security Administration has established a set of uniform guidelines called the medical-vocational grid. This grid takes into account factors other than medical information, such as your age, skill-sets, work ability and education in order to determine your level of disability.
One of the main components in this calculation is an applicants residual functional capacity (RFC), which simply measures your physical capabilities and limitations based on your condition. There are four physical categories that a persons RFC could fall into: sedentary, light, medium and heavy work. The level of work able to be performed within each category includes being able to lift anywhere from 10 pounds in the sedentary category to more than 50 pounds in the heavy work category.
The SSA also establishes age groups to bring uniformity to the process. These groups categorize ages 18-44 as young individuals, 45-49 as younger individuals, 50-54 as approaching advanced age, 55+ are considered advanced in age, and 60-65 are approaching retirement age.
Being older in age can have its advantages in this process. Individuals who are 50 and older are more likely to receive a favorable approval if they are limited to sedentary work and have limited or even medium level skills that are not transferable. Despite this, it is still possible to receive SSD benefits at any age.
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