Getting Social Security Disability Benefits if You Are Over 50
If you’re over 50 years of age and have worked at a physically demanding job but are now unable to perform your customary past work due to an illness or injury, you have a special situation when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. In many cases, your initial application may be denied; however, if medical evidence shows that you are unable to perform your past work due to limitations or restrictions, then you qualify for SSA disability benefits.
Special Rules Apply If You Are over 50
If your disability leaves you able only to do unskilled sedentary work, the Social Security Administration makes a presumption that it will be impossible for you to make the transition from physically active work to a sedentary job. If you are close to the age of 50, your initial application may be denied, but you may be able to get benefits on appeal, especially if you reach the age of 50 during the process.
If you are 55 years of age or older, even a claim that is denied because you were able to do unskilled light work that requires little exertion may be overturned. The Social Security system presumes that you will be unable to make a transition to that type of work. Because of that, you should be awarded benefits.
If You Are Over 50, Don’t Accept a Denial of Benefits
For older workers especially, an initial denial of disability benefits is not the end of the process. An experienced Social Security disability attorney may be able to reverse that decision and help you get the benefits you have earned. Do not be discouraged if your initial application is denied. Instead, contact a legal firm that focuses on Social Security Disability Insurance cases.
Greeman Toomey PLLC – Experienced Social Security Disability Representation
When you need legal representation to appeal a denial of benefits, experience counts. You need a law firm with extensive and wide-ranging experience in this complex area of law. At Greeman Toomey PLLC, our attorneys have over 20 years of experience in Social Security disability law. We can put that experience to work for you in obtaining the benefits to which you are entitled. Contact us as soon as your initial application has been denied by the Social Security Administration. We’ll schedule a free initial consultation with you to determine the merits of your case and discuss how we can help you win your case.
If you are disabled and unable to work, you know what a highly stressful and emotional time this is in your life. Contact us today at (612) 332-3252 to discuss your case with our experienced attorneys. Our office is located in Minneapolis at 250 South 2nd Avenue, Suite 120, Minneapolis MN 55401.
