Social Security Rules You Need To Know If You’re Over 50
Over 9 million Americans receive Social Security Disability benefits. To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have a health change to which the work you previously could complete, you no longer can do. Workers of any age who become disabled may be able to qualify for government monthly cash payments.
This year The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) saw an 8.7% increase for 2023. For an individual the monthly max is $914 and for a family that amount is $1,371.
Fortunately, if you are over the age of 50, it’s slightly easier to be declared disabled and obtain those Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If you are 50 or older, you have most likely worked longer, acquiring more work credits to be eligible for SSDI.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) categorizes disability eligibility by 3 age groups:
- Younger person – Under age 50. This age group is usually not considered for disability. However, persons age 45-49 must prove that they cannot work and that their disability prevents them from getting a job. This age group has the most difficult time applying and receiving disability benefits.
- Person closely approaching advanced age – Age 50-54. For those approaching “advanced age,” the SSA considers this age group along with severe impairments, and limited work experience, to seriously affect their ability to adjust to other work.
- Person of advanced age – Age 55 and older. By this advanced age, age significantly affects a person’s ability to adjust to other work and special lenient rules apply to this group.
Full retirement age is between 66 and 67, depending on the year of birth of the recipient. It is possible; however, for Social Security benefits to be claimed before then at the age of 62, but at a reduced rate. Aging people consider retiring earlier at the age of 50 if they have health problems and can be deemed as disabled in order to apply for SSDI.
Qualifying for SSDI
Steps and check points are in place to help individuals qualify for disability benefits. We have outlined these details in our article How Do You Qualify Medically for Social Security Disability or SSI? Once your application is submitted, the social security office reviews your financial qualifications for social security benefits. They then send your application to the Disability Determination Services (DDS), and the decision whether your disability meets the requirements to receive benefits will be determined.
The DDS reviews the criteria of a social security disability “listing.” The Social Security Administration, along with the DDS, use the “Blue Book” which lists what’s approved when it comes to impairments. For example, if you have a heart condition, the DDS employee who reviews such cases will check to see if it qualifies according to what’s in the Blue Book. There are cases where the disability, or impairment, is not listed in the Blue Book, yet there are times when the SSA and DDS will allow you to qualify.
You can also find out of you qualify for SSDI benefits by using the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.
Advantages of SSDI
If you get approved for Social Security Disability Insurance, the most substantial gain is financial stability. Although, there may be some added advantages along with it. Most states also include Medicaid to help pay out medical bills. Food assistance and additional supplemental payments may also be provided to SSDI receivers. Social Security benefits also ensure that recipients receive transportation to and from medical appointments. Federal regulation requires this non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), which will be received by any patient with physician approval. If those with disabilities wish to return to work, the SSA has programs in place to reintegrate them into the workplace. These programs include Plan-to-Achieve-Self-Support (PASS) and Ticket To Work, which both help the disabled save up for the supplies they might need for their future job when they begin working again.
For more help navigating Social Security and disability claims, contact The Lowery Law Group. Our representatives are standing by ready to quickly file your Social Security claim and begin the benefits application process.
Contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.