A recent study revealed that over 25% of today’s young workforce would be out of work due to a disability before they reach the age of 67. As workers get older, they become less resilient to illnesses and injuries and may be prone to disabilities. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits to qualified, disabled American workers. But is it a requirement that you are a bit older before you can claim the said benefits?
Special Rules
No matter how old or young you are, you can apply for a Social Security Disability benefits after suffering from an illness or injury that leads to a disabling condition. Older workers, however, find it easier to gain the benefits because of a few special rules.
Before you can be eligible for a disability claim, you must show that you no longer have the present ability to engage in the type of work you did in the past or adjust to a new work. Most of the time, the SSA recognizes that older employees find it difficult to keep up with their previous work or adapt to a new job.
Age Classifications
On age, the SSA classifies the applicants as follows:
- Younger Individual (49 years old and below)
- Closely Approaching Advanced Age (50 to 54 years old)
- Advanced Age (55 to 59 years old)
- Closely Approaching Retirement Age (60 years old and over)
Apart from the physical abilities, the SSA also recognizes the mental limitations of the older workers. If you’re over the age of 50 and still physically strong, but you are already showing memory lapses, for instance, you can be eligible for an SSA’s disability claim in Arkansas, for example. On the other hand, if you’re under 50, you must prove that you are no longer physically or mentally capable of keeping your previous job or adjusting to a new one before you can enjoy the Social Security Disability benefits.
Though it may look like that SSA is for older workers, the said benefits are available for everyone. It is best that you hire a lawyer to increase your chances of getting a disability claim.
