As individuals age, they become susceptible to a
number of conditions that could prevent them from working before they are ready
to retire. These conditions include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, joint
replacement, and arthritis among others. Being forced to leave the workforce
early can cause significant financial strain. Fortunately, those who are unable
to work due to a condition associated with aging may be able to qualify for
Social Security Disability benefits until Social Security Retirement benefits
kick in. Social Security Disability benefits can significantly alleviate
financial stress and can help caretakers provide adequate treatment and support.
Applying
for Social Security Disability Benefits
The first step toward obtaining Social Security
Disability benefits is filling out a Social Security Disability application.
This can be done online or at your local Social Security office. In order to
qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, you
must be able to prove that your condition prevents you from performing any type
of work activity.
The easiest way to qualify for disability benefits
from the SSA is to prove that your condition meets the criteria of a condition
that has been listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is a published list
of conditions and symptoms that may qualify for disability benefits. If you do
not suffer from a condition that is listed in the Blue Book, you may still be
able to qualify for benefits based on a vocational allowance. You will,
however, have to gather sufficient medical evidence to prove that your
condition completely prevents you from performing any type of work activity.
How
Age Plays a Role
Age plays a large role when you apply for Social
Security Disability benefits. This is because the SSA understands that it is
much easier for a 30-year-old to be retrained for other types of work than it
is for a 50-year-old to be retrained. As such, your age will be taken into
consideration when your application for disability benefits is being evaluated.
If you can prove that you can no longer perform the work that you had been
performing and that you can’t perform any type of work that you already have
the skills for, chances are that you will be approved for Social Security
Disability benefits.
How
Social Security Disability Benefits Can Help
As the age of retirement keeps going up, more and
more people are finding themselves disabled before they reach full retirement
age. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to fill that
gap.
If you’re not financially ready for retirement but health
conditions now prevent you from performing your daily work activities, Social
Security Disability benefits can help alleviate unnecessary financial stress.
In addition to receiving a monthly benefit check, you will also receive medical
insurance under the Medicare program. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also
be entitled to additional medical assistance.
Applying for disability benefits will also relieve
any stress that your caregiver or future caregiver may be feeling. While the
SSA does not offer assistance to caregivers directly, there are programs that
are run at the local and state levels which offer financial assistance to those
who are caring for a disabled family member. For example, if your son or
daughter has had to leave the workforce to help take care of you due to your
disability, he or she may be able to receive pay for their efforts if you
qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration, compensating them
for their loss of wages.
The
Services of a Social Security Disability Attorney
If you are no longer able to work due to a condition
that is related to the aging process, you may want to consult with a disability
attorney. These professionals know which conditions can qualify an individual
for disability benefits and what you will need to do to prove your eligibility.Additional resources are available here: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/.
It's really hard to get approved for a SSDI, so before applying be sure that you're even qualified for this. There are people who can help out to get you through this. The process will be dreadful, but as soon as you receive that SSDI, you'll feel the weight taken off your shoulder.Erminia Cavins
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