HOW TO GET DISABILITY BENEFITS AT AGE 50

If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is more likely that you will be approved if you are over age 50.  Why?

Because of the medical-vocational guidelines.  These "grid rules" make it easier for persons who are of advanced age or who are approaching advanced age.

The factors which Social Security must consider in determining whether a claimant is disabled are:

  1. age
  2. education
  3. prior work experience
  4. residual function capacity (See definition below)*
When all 4 of these factors are favorable, it is much more likely to get a favorable decision on your disability claim.  (See my separate post on getting a Medical Source Statement, which addresses the residual function capacity).

Definition of "Residual Functional Capacity' (RFC):  This is the maximum amount of work related activity that the claimant can do:  sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, lifting, bending, etc.  The RFC is key to getting a favorable decision on disability.


Comments

  1. Charles W. ForsytheMay 5, 2017 at 9:54 PM

    At Step 3 of the sequential decision making process, Social Security must establish your "Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)." In a best case scenario, your own doctor has submitted a form for you that sets the limits on your sitting, standing, walking, lifting, bending, etc. If you doctor has not done so, the administrative law judge (decision maker) will come up with his/her own RFC, which may not be realistic in your situation. That's why it is so important to get the opinion of your own doctor in the record. The judge's RFC is a wild card. Your doctor's RFC is an ace. Get one if you possibly can.

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