Our bodies are more susceptible to diseases and conditions when we grow older. Such a situation hinders some people from working, so their bodies might enter a disabled state when they are 50 and above. After this age, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is determined according to work credits earned across one’s working years. The SSDI applies to individuals who accumulate good credits in their work history to qualify for disability benefits over 50.

How is SSD different for people over 50?
As mentioned, age makes our bodies less immune to injury and illness. Such a factor makes older workers more susceptible to a disability, which bars them from working. Even though disability benefits over 50 are not the most accommodating, they enable disabled workers to bear basic expenses.

A primary consideration for SSD eligibility is whether one can continue doing the same work they did before their disability. Further, Social Security Association (SSA) will also evaluate whether one can adapt to doing some other work. However, the SSA considers adapting to a new job challenging for someone over 50. So the grid laid out is adaptable for older workers.

What are the disability grid rules?
Anytime one applies for disability benefits over 50, the Social Security disability reviewer will study their medical history. First, they will compare the diagnosis to the corresponding listing in the Blue Book. One is classified as permanently disabled and becomes eligible for disability benefits over 50 if their condition qualifies as severe, as noted by physical tests, blood tests, mental capacity examination, imaging, etc.

On the contrary, if one’s disorder does not qualify as severe, one can still be eligible for disability benefits over 50 as per the grid rule assessment. These rules comprise a set of evaluations to assess how disabled an individual is, irrespective of the diagnosis. The analysis takes place on four factors:

• Education
  If it has been long since one’s last education, or if one needs to be more educated, the individual will have more benefits. Under this head, the categories are broken into
  • High school graduate or more
  • 11th grade or lower – limited education or less
  • Illiterate with no English competency
  • Most recent education that trained one for the skilled job
• Residual Functional Capacity
  It is an assessment that checks how many strength-related tasks one can do: pushing, lifting, standing, walking, etc. One will access more benefits if one cannot do much work.
• Transferability of skills
  The SSA studies how much experience from an earlier job can transfer to a similar position. If the person has lesser transferable skills, the chances of finding suitable work are also less. Hence, one can qualify for more benefits.

• Work experience
  Under this, applicants are classified as skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled, depending on the last job requirements. If one has less experience, one will be eligible for more benefits.

One advantage of getting disability benefits over 50 is that the grid rules are adjusted as per age. Those over this age have relatively more lenient requirements for qualification than those under it. So, if one is uncertain whether their condition qualifies, it’s vital to apply and check.

When can one apply for SSD benefits?
Anytime a person experiences a disability that curtails them from work for at least a year, one can file for the benefits. The application approval process is tedious. Hence, we recommend applying at the earliest instead of waiting too long.

One should never delay application submission because SSDI has a waiting period of five months, as benefit payments will not begin before the sixth month ceases from when the disability commences. This waiting period begins in the first month when Social Security Association decides that the disability starts.

Those over 50 and disabled are more likely to get approval because the SSA knows it is hard for them to adapt to the new kinds of work. So, the association will advise the individual to undertake the Residual Functional Capacity test performed by the doctor to confirm one’s mental and physical ability if one is in a work situation.

How does one start the application?
Whenever a person is ready, they can file for an application. One can find the applications in person at the local Social Security office or their website. Before filing, preparing all the financial and medical paperwork is vital for the smoothest process possible. If one finds applying challenging, seeking help from a loved one can help. One can call their local office to have a representative guide them in completing the form.

Before one starts the application, it helps to speak to a disability attorney. Their legal expertise can assist with the paperwork and can help get the application matters straight. It can further expedite the whole process, and the attorney can even represent the applicant in court.