Qualifying for disability benefits can be very hard but not impossibleSomeone wrote the following on the facebook page for SSDRC.com "I'm beginning to think you have to be dead to receive it." Not quite...but if a person does not meet or equal a listing, it can be difficult to get approved if they are under age 55 (advanced age) and absolutely more difficult if they are under age 45. To understand more of the process, see the following: The requirements for disability How to win disability The medical vocational rules for physical ranges of work capacity are not generous for individuals below those ages. However, that does not mean that a person cannot get approved if they fit into the younger age bands. A combination of mental and physical impairments can often have the effect of negating a person's ability to both A) return to their past work and B) switch to some type of other work. I would say that if a person is a younger individual, certain younger than 45, and they are going to a hearing they would be extremely foolish to go without representation because that is when a theory of the case will need to be formulated and presented to the administrative law judge. For individuals 50 and older (more favorable vocational rules) and individuals 55 and over (even more favorable vocational rules), cases do not usually present such an uphill climb. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Rules for disability Social Security Disability, SSI and Being Over the Age of Fifty Age will play a role in determining decisions on disability claims How does age affect a disability case? Can you get SSI for a mental disability if there is a trust fund? Does Social Security send you to their doctors? How hard is it to qualify for disability? Disability requirements and how to file in Virginia Can you get SSI disability faster with financial problems? How Old Do You Have To Be For Social Security Disability? Medical conditions for which you can file and apply for disability |
