Are you between the ages of 50 and 54 and wondering whether the grid rules might apply to your Social Security disability case?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
If you are between the ages of 50 and 54 and you’re unable to work because of a physical and/or mental condition, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI).
To determine your eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration may use a set of rules known as the “grid rules.” The disability grid rules take into account your age, your education, and your past work experience to determine whether or not you’re able to adjust to other types of work.
There are two main factors that the Social Security Administration considers when using the disability grid rules: your residual functional capacity (RFC) and your age category. Your residual functional capacity refers to what you are still able to do despite your medical limitations. The Social Security Administration will review the available medical evidence and evaluate your RFC to determine whether you’re able to perform any type of work.
If the Social Security determines that you are unable to perform any type of work based on your age, education, past work experience, and RFC, you may be found disabled under the disability grid rules.
As a person between the ages of 50 and 54, you fall into what’s known as the “closely approaching advanced age” category. This means that Social Security may find that you may have a hard time adjusting to some new work that requires some new skills because of your age.
It’s important to note that the disability grid rules are just one of the ways in which Social Security determines eligibility for SSDI and SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration may also consider other factors when determining your eligibility.
In sum, if you are between the ages of 50 and 54 and you’re unable to work because of a physical and/or mental impairment, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration may use the disability grid rules to determine your eligibility, taking into account your residual functional capacity, your past work experience, and your age category.
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