The Facts About Social Security Disability Insurance

There are government-run programs for those who can’t keep employment due to medical, mental or psychological health issues. One such program is Social Security Disability Insurance ( SSDI), which is funded through Social Security taxes.

Anyone who is considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with a sufficient history of paying Social Security payroll taxes may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits.

Finding Out If You Qualify

To have your application for Social Security Disability Insurance accepted by the SSA, you can’t earn more than $1,220/month. (for 2019) Your condition must make you unable to work for for at least 12 months. Beyond this, someone who is applying for SSDI must also have a sufficient history of work credits.

Generally, a person applying for benefits must have a total of 40 credits. The maximum amount of credits a person can earn in a year is four, one every three months. The minimum amount to earn for a work credit is $1,360.

For SSDI, this means that people with a record of paying into Social Security payroll taxes and who have worked for at least five of the last ten years meet the technical qualifications for eligibility. That said, there are exceptions for younger individuals, who may be able to qualify based on their parent’s work records.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

A majority of SSDI applications are denied after the first application. Even if you appeal the SSA’s decision, over 80% of appeals at that stage are also denied.

Because it can be easy to misrepresent your case to the SSA, you may want to seek legal help. Do so to ensure that your case receives the consideration that it deserves.

If you seek out representation for your case, your attorney can help you understand what to do if your denied. They can also help prepare the paperwork that you’ll need to submit to the SSA. They can also help review what you have and suggest any additional documentation that help your case.

In addition, they can also help prepare witnesses and experts to help argue on your behalf.

It can be a daunting process, especially because it’s often complex and difficult to manage.

One of the best things for your case is to make sure you have the legal representation necessary. Doing this will give yourself the best chance of success.

What is the Maximum Age to Apply for Social Security Disability?

If you have been working full-time but a medical condition has left you unable to work, you might be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. If you are an older individual, you might be wondering if you can still apply for disability benefits or if you might as well go ahead and apply for your Social Security retirement benefits.

Sometimes individuals who are older might not be able to continue working. But, they don’t want to start collecting full Social Security retirement benefits yet. In those cases, that individual might be able to get disability benefits. You cannot collect both Social Security retirement and disability at the same time. That in mind, you can still apply for disability benefits.

How Can Someone Older Than 65 Be Approved for Disability?

If you are older than 65 and you want to apply for disability benefits, there are two ways to qualify for approval. The first way to be approved is to either meet or equal a listing. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to determine if an individual is classified as disabled and qualifies for benefits. Listings can be equaled if your impairment is very similar to a condition and is as limiting as a Blue Book listing, but it is not the same as the Blue Book listing.

The other option is using a medical-vocational allowance. Using this approach, the SSA will consider all your medical issues, restrictions, limitations, work history, skills, and educational background to decide if you are still able to work. Your age will come into play as you will not be able to adjust to a new kind of work as easily as you would have at a younger age.

Individuals older than 65 applying for disability will have to meet the same listing requirements as anyone else. However, there are some extra considerations given for those older than 65 as well. As an example, an older applicant’s case must be given a thorough review. The claims examiner or administrative law judge must carefully review the medical records for any age-related impairments, such as decreased vision or hearing problems. 

Consult With a Disability Attorney

If you’re unable to work because of a medical condition and you’re 65+ you should consult with a disability attorney. You might be eligible for disability benefits, so you won’t have to retire earlier than you anticipated. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form, so you can have your case reviewed by a SSD lawyer right away. That way your claim can get on the right track!