What Are the Social Security Disability Rules After Age 55?

Social security disability rules after age 55 require you to have strong evidence of your limiting medical condition. However, there are several other rules that apply to claimants over the age of 55.

A South Carolina social security disability lawyer can explain requirements and handle important legal matters on your behalf. With the help of a dedicated attorney, you’ll have an excellent chance at getting the benefits you need to support yourself.

Let’s take a closer look at the social security disability rules for claimants over age 55 and how a lawyer can assist you.

General Social Security Disability Rules

To fully understand the social security disability rules for claimants over age 55, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the general Social Security Disability rules. General requirements to apply for social security disability are as follows:

• You must have a physical condition that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities.
• Your condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 consecutive months or be expected to result in death.
• You must have earned enough work credits.

These rules apply to individuals who seek disability benefits, but once you reach age 50, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a different standard to evaluate whether you can work. This is where the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, which are also called the GRID rules, come into play.

How the GRID Rules Affect Claimants After Age 55

If you are planning on applying for Social Security disability benefits after age 55, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the GRID rules. The GRID rules are a set of charts that the SSA uses to determine whether someone can reasonably be expected to adjust to a new type of work.

The rules take into account several factors, including the following:

• Your age
• Your residual functional capacity (RFC), or what physical activities you can still do despite your health problems
• Your level of education
• Your work history and whether you have skills that could transfer to a different job

Once you turn 55, the SSA considers you an “individual of advanced age.” At this stage, they presume it is harder for you to adapt to new work, especially if you don’t have skills that transfer easily to jobs that are less physically demanding.

For example, suppose that you’ve spent the majority of your working life performing hard labor, like construction or warehouse work. If your medical condition limits you to light, sedentary work, the SSA will be more likely to approve your claim, even if you could physically work a desk job.

Medical Evidence Still Matters After Age 55

Even though the Social Security Disability rules aren’t as strict after age 55, the SSA won’t approve your claim if you don’t have strong evidence of your medical condition. Strong evidence includes the following:

• Doctor’s records
• Diagnostic imaging and test results
• Treatment notes
• Statements from your physician about your physical limitations
• Records of any hospitalizations, surgeries, or physical therapy sessions

Fortunately, an attorney can gather all your medical evidence for you. They’ll work hard to obtain helpful medical opinions and may request that the SSA schedule a consultative exam.

A lawyer will have the experience and legal knowledge required to present your case to an administrative law judge and clearly explain how your condition limits your ability to work.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Apply for SSDI After Age 55

If you’re unsure about the social security disability rules for claimants over age 55, it can be helpful to speak with an attorney. A lawyer can review your situation and work hard to get the benefits you need to support yourself.

Here’s what a strong legal advocate can do:

• Help you complete initial SSDI applications
• Gather medical evidence and other important records
• Request medical opinion statements
• Prepare you for your hearing
• Represent you at every stage of the SSDI process, including the appeals process

These are just a few of the steps that an attorney can take to help you get the benefits you deserve. Reach out to a lawyer today to learn more about the services they offer and get a better picture of the social security disability rules for individuals aged 55 and over.

Talk to an Experienced Disability Lawyer

If you’re over 55 and your health prevents you from working, don’t try to go through the Social Security disability system alone. The process is incredibly complicated, and the SSA won’t give you the benefit of the doubt without solid evidence and a clear presentation of the facts.

At Pilzer Klein, we have over 50 years of combined experience handling claims like yours. When you work with our team, you won’t be charged any fees if your case is not won.

Contact us today to speak with an attorney, get the legal help you need, and learn more about the social security disability rules after age 55.