The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) offers benefits to people who are unable to work due to disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) are the largest of these disability benefits programs. Although these programs are different in many ways, both provide financial assistance to those who have a disability and meet specific medical criteria. Although it can be difficult to obtain Social Security disability benefits, the odds of approval increase substantially for individuals who are 55 and older.
Special Rules for Applicants Age 55 and Older
Many individuals who apply for Social Security disability benefits are age 55 or older and unable to work due to a medical condition. The SSA has special rules in place for such individuals. If a Social Security disability benefits applicant can no longer perform the type of work that he or she performed in the past, then the SSA must take the applicant’s age into account when considering whether or not he or she can perform alternative work.
Social Security Disability Review for Applicants Age 55 and Older
The SSA categorizes applicants who are 55 and older to be of advanced age. Due to this categorization, individuals age 55 and up may be eligible for benefits unavailable to younger applicants. When evaluating an applicant for Social Security disability benefits, the SSA examines the individual’s work capacity and impairing condition. The SSA also closely evaluates the applicant’s reported disability. If an applicant’s disability matches or equals an eligible condition, then the applicant may be eligible for benefits. If an applicant’s disability does not match or equal an eligible condition, however, he or she will be assessed based on the SSA’s medical-vocational grid, which consists of the following categories:
- Work skills
- Transferability of work skills
- Work capacity
- Education level
SSDI and SSI for People Age 55 and Older
If you are unable to work due to a disability and you are 55 years of age or older, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Therefore, if you currently suffer from a disability, you should apply for SSDI or SSI as soon as possible. For assistance, please contact an El Paso SSDI and SSI attorney.
Contact Our El Paso SSDI and SSI Attorney
If you are 55 or older and suffer from a disability in Texas, you should contact a Texas SSDI and SSI attorney for assistance. When you choose attorney Jon Sipes to handle your SSDI or SSI claim, he will utilize his extensive legal knowledge and experience to walk you through the Social Security disability benefits application process. Jon Sipes regularly helps people who are 55 years old and up in Texas obtain SSDI and SSI, and he understands what it takes to obtain benefits under the SSDI and SSI programs. If you’re ready to get started, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.