Age 50 and Disability Benefits in Sacramento, CA
If you are aged 50 or above and suffer from a health condition, continuing to perform the same type of work you have done your entire life can be a challenge. At this stage in life, changing careers may not be feasible for you. However, the Social Security Administration recognizes the difficulties faced by older workers and has more lenient rules for disability applicants aged 50 and above.
If you are in this age group and believe you qualify for Social Security benefits or have recently been denied benefits, Jon Sipes, an attorney-at-law, can help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial.
“If your disability is preventing you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits fall into two categories: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a minimum of 10 years. If you have not met this requirement, you may still be eligible for SSI, which is based on financial need.”
What If My Disability Is Not Recognized And I Still Can't Work?
If your disability claim is not recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they will assess whether your condition prevents you from working. The SSA will examine whether you can perform any past work you’ve done before. If you cannot perform your past work, the SSA will evaluate if you can do any other type of work based on your education, work history, transferable skills, and age.
This assessment is used to determine your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) for work. The RFC measures the maximum work capacity despite your physical or mental impairments. The SSA will consider medical records, a medical exam, and your statements about your condition or pain to assess your RFC.
How Is My RFC Determined?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into account the physical demands and exertion levels required by different types of work and compares them with your physical abilities. Work is classified into different levels, such as sedentary, light, medium, heavy, and very heavy. Sedentary work involves sitting for at least six hours and lifting up to 10 pounds, while light work requires standing and walking for up to six hours and lifting up to 20 pounds. Medium work involves lifting up to 50 pounds; heavy work up to 100 pounds, and very heavy work requires lifting over 100 pounds.
The determination of your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is crucial in deciding if you are disabled. If your RFC allows for medium work, then you are considered able to perform jobs that require medium, light, and sedentary work, which can expand your employment options. However, if your RFC limits you to sedentary work only, your employment options will be restricted to jobs that do not require standing or lifting heavy objects.
How Does My Age Factor Into A Disability Assessment?
Age plays a crucial role in the Social Security Administration’s determination of your ability to adjust to different types of work if you’re between 50 and 54. The older you get, the more challenging it becomes to adapt to new jobs. The SSA groups applicants into different age categories and applies varying levels of skill transferability according to age.
As part of the evaluation, the SSA considers whether you’re capable of performing skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled work. Skilled work involves specialized education or training beyond high school. Semi-skilled work typically doesn’t require advanced education but necessitates some on-the-job training. Unskilled work encompasses jobs that don’t require advanced education or extensive training.
The SSA uses a table or grid that factors in your education level, skill level, and RFC based on your age group. This table or grid aids in determining whether you’re disabled or not based on your education, skill level, and type of work.
Consult with a Social Security Disability Attorney If You Are Over the Age of 50
Determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process, especially if you do not have a recognized disability. You must provide evidence to support your condition, and there are many factors involved. If you are over 50 years old and have a medical condition that limits your ability to work, Jon Sipes, Attorney at Law can help you. Whether you need to file a disability claim or appeal a previous denial of benefits, Jon Sipes can guide you through the process and help you present a strong case. Contact his office today for a case review.
This information included on these pages does not constitute legal advice and should be used as such. This is for informational purposes only.
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