Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: Benefits for People Over 50
January 14, 2017
If you have a disability that prevents you from working, and you are over the age of 50, you may wonder how you are going to provide for yourself and your family if you are unable to work. Having a disabling injury is unfortunate under any circumstances, but when you are over 50, it often becomes that much more difficult to find a job. Fortunately, there are options available.
One option for an older worker is to apply for disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the SSA denies your claim because your condition does not meet a disability listing, the SSA will refer to “grid rules” for workers between the ages of 50 and 54. Grid rules are a series of tables that consider several factors before deciding whether a person is disabled or not disabled. Fortunately, the SSA recognizes that it can be quite challenging to learn, and adjust to a new job, so older workers tend to be treated more favorably when it comes to granting disability benefits.
The SSA uses the following four categories in each age group to determine residual functional capacity (RFC):
- Sedentary: not required to lift more than 10 pounds
- Light: may be required to lift 10 pounds, but no more than the occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds
- Medium: frequent lifting of 20 pounds and occasionally lifting 50 pounds
- Heavy: frequent lifting of 50 pounds or more
Other Strategies for Seeking Disability Benefits
If the grid determines that you are not eligible to receive disability benefits, you have other options, including:
- If you are unable to use your fingers, or you have certain postural problems, you may have non-exertional limitations, which may enable you to qualify for benefits.
- If the SSA determines that you are able to do sedentary work, but you are physically unable to perform a job sitting down, you can be approved, although it would fall outside the grid.
- If you have a limited education, and have been working for more than 35 years doing physically demanding, unskilled labor, you may qualify for benefits if your disability prevents you from doing this type of work.
Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Older Workers Secure Maximum Benefits
If you have become disabled and you are over the age of 50, it is in your best interest to speak to an experienced Baltimore Social Security Disability lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will assist you in the claims process and address any issues that may arise. Protecting your rights and obtaining the benefits you deserve is our top priority. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to assist those who have been denied Social Security benefits throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
