Over 50? How to Determine If You Qualify for Disability Benefits

Aging increases the probability of a disability since our bodies become less resistant to injury and illness. People older than 50 years of age are considered disabled if they are unable to perform their past relevant work and are confined to sedentary work activities. 

If you are in your 50s, social security can consider your education, experience, and age to determine if you are disabled. Continue on to learn more about if you qualify for disability benefits:

What Types of Disabilities Do People File Claims For?

Common disabilities that claims are filed for include:

• Physical impairments such as stress injuries, carpal tunnel, and knee or hip issues
• Disc herniations and other spinal disorders
• Physical and mental impairments caused by illnesses such as cancer, heart problems, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease
• Mental illnesses like depression or schizophrenia

Can You Transfer Your Skillset?

If you are 50 or over, and no longer able to perform your job due to a disability, it may be a challenge to transfer your skillset to other types of work. 

Social Security Disability benefits are another form of compensation that may be available to qualified disabled workers. Although workers of any age are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits after claiming a disability, there are special rules for older workers to simplify obtaining disability benefits.

Workers in their older years might not be required to adjust to a new type of work even if they are physically able to.

The Four Levels of Functioning Capacity 

There are four categories used by the Social Security Administration to determine your workload:

• Sedentary – does not involve lifting more than 10 pounds
• Light – involves lifting of between 10-20 pounds
• Medium – involves frequently lifting 25 pounds and occasional 50 pounds
• Heavy – frequent lifting more than 50 pounds

Even sedentary workers between the ages of 50 and 54 may be eligible for disability benefits. People between 55 and 59 could be eligible even if they can perform light work, and those between the ages of 60 and 64 could collect Social Security Disability benefits even if they can perform medium-level activities.

At Regas & Haag, Ltd., we handle all aspects of Social Security Disability cases. If you think you may be eligible for disability benefits call us today at 330-649-9102 to learn how we can help you get the benefits you qualify for.