Social Security over 50 Grid rules can help you win your disability case.
Social Security Disability Over 50 Grid Rules
Generally, Social Security defines disability as having the inability to work. They look at your ability to go back to your past work. They also look at your ability to do other types of work. However, Social Security recognizes that it may be harder for older individuals to do new work. Therefore, there are more favorable rules for older people. These rules are the “grid rules.”
The grid rules consider different factors. These factors include:
Your age
Education
Work background
Residual functional capacity (RFC) – what you can do despite your medical conditions
The Grid Rules and Your Past Work
Social Security will look at the grid rules once they have figured out your RFC. In order to apply the grid rules, Social Security must categorize your past work. The grid rules will only apply if Social Security finds that you can’t return to your past work. Social Security only considers past relevant work. Past relevant work is work done in the past 15 years. It should also have resulted in significant earnings. Temporary or part-time jobs might not count as past relevant work.
Social Security has different physical categories of work. These include:
Sedentary – mostly sitting jobs that don’t require lifting more than 10 pounds
Light – usually require more standing and don’t require lifting more than 20 pounds
Medium – requires lifting between 25-50 pounds
Heavy – requires lifting more than 50 pounds
The Grid Rules Past Skilled Work
Social Security will also look at the type of skills required to do your past work. Sometimes, there are skills from your past work that can be used to do different types of jobs. These are transferable skills. It is harder to apply a favorable grid rule when there are transferable skills. However, transferable skills won’t apply if you can only do simple, routine tasks. Generally, Social Security makes this finding when there is evidence of mental health impairment.
Applying the Over 50 Grid Rules
Case study 1: Social Security over 50 Grid rules
In one case, a 54 year old man applied for disability benefits after he had his knee replaced. Unfortunately, he continued to have pain and swelling in his knee. This made it impossible for him to go back to work. He previously worked as a security guard. Social Security determined that he had the ability to perform sedentary work. Social Security found that there were no transferable skills. Therefore, the grid rules directed a finding of disabled.
Case study 2: Social Security over 50 Grid rules
In another case, a 51 year old woman applied for disability based on coronary artery disease, depression and anxiety. She previously worked as an office manager and cashier. She suffered from frequent chest pain and leg swelling, also had trouble concentrating. Social Security determined that she could perform sedentary work. Her job as an office manager was categorized as sedentary. Yet, Social Security also found she could only do simple and routine tasks. Since her job required more complex tasks, she was not able to return to her past work. Therefore, the grid rules allowed Social Security to approve her case.
Hire a disability expert who knows the Social Security over 50 Grid Rules
Unfortunately, the grid rules don’t always work out in your favor. This is especially true if you are applying for disability benefits for non-physical conditions. Most commonly, these conditions include problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder alone.
For example, a 53 year old man applied for disability benefits when he could no longer work due to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. He previously worked in a poultry factory. Social Security found that he could only perform simple and routine tasks. Without any physical restrictions, the Social Security over 50 Grid rules directed a finding of not disabled. Consequently, he was denied benefits.
Working with a SSDI Disability Lawyer
Even if the Social Security over 50 Grid rules don’t work in your favor, you can still win your case. In the above example, this gentleman can still win if he proves his conditions meet the medical listing requirements. He can also be approved if he shows he would miss work a lot.
Hire a Disability Expert
An experienced SSDI disability lawyer will help explain the Social Security over 50 Grid rules. They can tell if you these grid rules apply in your case. More importantly, disability lawyer can help you get the evidence you need to apply the grid rules and win your case.
Disability Help Group: Winning Grid Case Study
For instance, Jerry applied for benefits because he had knee pain and swelling. He also had diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. He was 52 years old and had worked in a warehouse for many years.
Unfortunately, Social Security denied Jerry’s claim. He couldn’t understand why. His doctors told him to apply. Finally, Mr. Doyle turned to Disability Help Group. Our advocate suggested that he get a prescription for the cane he had been using. She also noticed that his doctor didn’t write down that he needed to elevate his legs, even though the doctor told Jerry this several times. On our advocate’s advice, he spoke with his doctor. Then, the recommendation was included in his medical records. At hearing, the judge found that Jerry couldn’t do his warehouse job. The judge also found that he couldn’t stand or walk for more than two hours a day. Therefore, Jerry was limited to sedentary work. The Social Security over 50 Grid rules were applied and the judge approved his claim.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Are you thinking about filing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or have you already submitted your application? You should seriously consider hiring an experienced SSDI advocate to help navigate this complex process. Many people mistakenly believe that applying for disability benefits is simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The initial Social Security disability application process is demanding and detailed. It requires extensive paperwork, comprehensive medical records, and completion of multiple complex forms. Without proper guidance, the process quickly becomes confusing and overwhelming for most applicants.
While you’re not legally required to hire an SSDI disability advocate, working with an experienced professional significantly improves your chances of approval. There are compelling reasons why partnering with a qualified SSDI advocate is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your claim.
Top Advantages of Hiring an SSDI Advocate
Expert Advocacy Throughout Your Entire Case An experienced SSDI advocate serves as your dedicated representative, guiding you through every step of the complex Social Security disability process. The Social Security Administration has very specific definitions of disability, including detailed Blue Book listings of qualifying medical impairments. These conditions must meet strict criteria to qualify applicants for disability benefits. A knowledgeable SSDI advocate helps you understand these intricate listings and assists in gathering the precise evidence needed to support your claim effectively.
Thorough Review of Your Initial Application Your SSDI advocate meticulously reviews your initial application, identifying any critical missing information or potential errors. Even minor mistakes or omissions can negatively impact your claim throughout the entire process, potentially leading to unnecessary delays or denials. An experienced SSDI advocate helps you avoid making serious mistakes that could jeopardize your case from the very beginning.
Direct Communication with Social Security Administration Your dedicated SSDI disability advocate maintains regular contact with the Social Security Administration to ensure your claim progresses smoothly. They assist with completing important forms accurately and answer any questions you have about the process. This direct line of communication helps prevent delays and ensures nothing falls through the cracks during your case.
Timely Appeals and Deadline Management Most importantly, your SSDI disability advocate files any necessary appeals well before critical deadlines. Missing these deadlines can force you to start the entire process over from the beginning, wasting months or even years of valuable time. An experienced SSDI disability advocate ensures all appeals are filed promptly and properly, protecting your right to benefits.
How an SSDI Advocate Increases Your Approval Chances
Deep Knowledge of the Application Process A seasoned SSDI disability advocate has navigated the application process countless times. They understand exactly why the Social Security Administration denies claims and know precisely what evidence and documentation leads to approvals. This extensive experience allows them to put your claim on the right track from day one. Providing the correct information quickly also helps accelerate your application timeline.
Mastery of Social Security Disability Rules A skilled SSDI disability advocate presents your case strategically to maximize your chances of winning. The Social Security Administration has special disability rules for applicants over age 50, known as “grid rules.” These grid rules consider multiple factors when evaluating your claim, including your age, education level, and work background. An experienced SSDI disability advocate explains how these grid rules work and determines if they apply to your specific situation.
Real-World Case Example: Applying Grid Rules Consider this scenario: You’re over 50 years old and previously worked as a cashier. You had to stop working due to severe arthritis in your knees, preventing you from standing or walking for extended periods. A knowledgeable SSDI disability advocate identifies exactly which medical records will strengthen your case. They also provide specialized forms for your doctor to complete, including crucial Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms that document your specific limitations.
Cost of Hiring an SSDI Advocate
No Upfront Costs or Fees There are absolutely no upfront costs when hiring an SSDI disability advocate. If the Social Security Administration doesn’t approve your disability benefits, you pay no fees whatsoever. The Social Security Administration has established specific rules that determine exactly how much disability advocates can be paid.
Social Security Regulates Advocate Fees An SSDI disability advocate cannot receive more than 25% of your back pay, with a maximum cap of $7,200 under current Social Security regulations. In other words, $7,200 is the absolute maximum an SSDI disability advocate can receive in fees. For example, if you’re awarded $40,000 in back pay, your SSDI disability advocate receives $7,200 in fees, and you receive the remaining $32,800.
Direct Payment from Social Security The Social Security Administration automatically withholds your SSDI advocate’s fee from your back pay award. Social Security pays your advocate directly, then sends the remainder of your back pay directly to you. This system ensures complete transparency and eliminates any payment concerns.
Associated Costs for Medical Records However, there may be costs associated with obtaining copies of your medical records from healthcare providers. These administrative costs are separate from advocate fees and must be reimbursed directly to your SSDI advocate.
When Should You Contact a SSDI Advocate?
Early Contact Provides Maximum Benefit Generally, it’s best to contact an experienced SSDI advocate as early as possible in the process. If you’re considering filing for disability benefits, call a qualified SSDI dvocate for a free consultation. They can evaluate the strength of your potential case and assist with the entire initial application process.
Help Available at Any Stage However, it’s never too late to get professional help. You can hire an SSDI advocate during any stage of the disability process, whether you’re filing an initial application, requesting reconsideration, or preparing for a hearing. A skilled SSDI advocate can answer questions about appealing your claim and help identify what went wrong with previous applications or appeals.
Why Choose Disability Help Group?
At Disability Help Group, our experienced advocates understand the Social Security disability system inside and out. We stay current with all law changes and Social Security Administration updates to provide you with the most effective representation possible.
Our team combines legal expertise with compassionate support, ensuring you receive both professional advocacy and personal attention throughout your case. We’re committed to helping you get every disability benefit you deserve from the Social Security Administration.
Ready to get the help you deserve? Contact Disability Help Group today for your free consultation or call 800-800-3332 and take the first step toward securing your Social Security disability benefits.
Disability Help Group specializes in Social Security disability claims, SSDI applications, disability appeals, and hearing representation. Our experienced advocates help clients nationwide navigate the complex Social Security disability process with confidence and success.
How Can I Check on My Disability Claim? It takes Social Security time to process your disability application. There are several steps that Social Security takes before making a decision on your claim. Checking your Social Security application status is an easy way to stay on top of your Social Security application. You can make sure there is no missing information slowing down your application.
However, there are different guidelines for checking the status of a claim. There are also different departments that handle your claim. It can be confusing and frustrating if you’re not sure who to contact for the status of your claim.
Ways to Check the Status of Your Application
There are several ways to check the status of your Social Security disability claim. These include:
Online at the SSA website at www.ssa.gov . If you are checking the status of your application online, you will need to create a “my Social Security” account.
Contact your local Social Security office
Contact Social Security’s national telephone at 1-800-772-1213
Contacting you Social Security disability lawyer
Information Needed to Check Your Claim Status
In order to provide you information about your claim, Social Security will ask for specific information. You should have this information available before speaking with Social Security. This includes:
Your name
Social Security number
Address
Email
A phone number for Social Security to reach you
Checking on Initial Applications or Reconsideration Claims
First, you send your disability claim to your local Social Security office. Second, the local office processes your application. Third, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services or DDS. DDS assigns a claims representative to your case. The person assigned to your case is the claims adjudicator.
Even if you need to check the status of your claim at the initial application or on reconsideration (the first appeal), it is best to speak directly with the claims adjudicator assigned to your case. DDS often will include your claims’ adjudicator’s name and phone number on letters and forms that they send you. Your claims adjudicator will give you the status of your claim and tell you what information they are waiting for. However, the claims adjudicator cannot tell you Social Security’s decision on your claim. You will receive a decision letter in the mail.
DDS will assign a different claims adjudicator at the reconsideration level.
Especially if you have not received any letters or forms, you can also call your local office for additional information. Social Security recommends that you wait at least thirty days before checking on the status of your claim.
DDS mails you letters that tell you what information is missing from your claim. This generally includes a list of your doctors that Social Security has contacted. The letters state that they will make a decision within 10 days if they do not receive the requested information. Do not panic if you receive these letters. At times, you may receive this notice very shortly after your claims adjudicator sends a request to your doctors, giving them very little time to respond. It is best to follow up with your claims adjudicator or your disability lawyer to receive an accurate update on the status of your claim.
Checking on Hearing Level Claims
You can appeal at reconsideration level and request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Once a request has been filed, your claim is sent to the hearing office(OHO). Your claim will be assigned and scheduled for a hearing. It may take several months for OHO to schedule your hearing.
Speaking to the correct office
If your case is at the hearing level, it is best to contact the hearing office directly. The hearing offices are separate from Social Security. Therefore, your local office will not have much information about your claim at that point. At best, the local office will only confirm that your case is at the hearing office.
If You Have a SSDI disability lawyer
A disability lawyer will make these calls and check on the status of your claim for you. An experienced disability lawyer will perform regular status checks with Social Security. Since they are familiar with all aspects of the process, they will know who to call to get accurate information. A disability lawyer will also help you to complete all the paperwork. Overall, hiring an experienced disability lawyer can help to make the claims process easier.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is considered a disability? Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as an individual:
having a medical impairment or combination of impairments;
the impairment prevents the person from working; and
they cannot work for at least twelve months.
Social Security provides a “Listing of Medical Impairments”. This is also known as the “Blue Book”. These impairments will automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
However, you must meet certain conditions. You can be found disabled if these specific conditions are met. You may still qualify for disability benefits under other guidelines if your medical condition is not on the list.
Listing of Medical Impairments for SSDI include:
The Listing of Impairments is generally broken down by body system or function. They are the most severe level of disabilities. There are separate disability listings for adults and children under the age of 18. For adults, the medical conditions that qualify for Social Security Disability:
Musculoskeletal system, such as back conditions or dysfunction of the joints and bones;
Special Senses and Speech, such as vision and hearing loss;
Respiratory Disorders, such as breathing disorders like asthma, cystic fibrosis or lung transplant;
Cardiovascular System, such as chronic heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease;
Digestive System, such as chronic liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease;
Genitourinary Disorders, such as chronic kidney disease; or
Hematological Disorders, such as blood disorders.
Additional examples are:
Skin Disorders, such as chronic skin infections, dermatitis or burns
Endocrine Disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid gland disorders or pituitary gland disorders
Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems, such as Down syndrome
Neurological Disorders, such as epilepsy, Parkinsonian syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy or peripheral neuropathy
Mental Disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia
Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
Immune System Disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, inflammatory arthritis or HIV/AIDS
The Listings of Impairments for children are almost identical to the adult disability listings. However, the Childhood Listings also include growth impairments.
Does Your Condition Meet a Listing?
First, your doctor must diagnosis you with a disability under the Listings. There are some conditions that will qualify you for disability with a diagnosis alone. Some examples include:
ALS;
An organ transplant; or
Certain cancers such as esophageal cancer, mucosal melanoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland or small-cell carcinoma (prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, pleura, intestines or bladder)
Generally, just a diagnosis of a disability is not enough. The Listings of Impairments set out the requirements for how severe the symptoms are affecting you. SSA will review clinical findings and laboratory tests to determine if your disability meets the listing. If you have not had the clinical or laboratory tests required in the listing, you can ask your doctor to perform them.
Medical Equivalence
Your disability may also medically equal the Listings.
Medical equivalence is found if:
Your medical impairment is at least equal in severity and duration; and
Does not quite match the requirements under the listing.
The SSA also recognizes that there are many ways to diagnose and document the same illness. Your disability may “equal’ a listing if it does not quite meet all of the requirements under the listing. For example, the listing may require a specific result on a specific lab test. However, you were given a different test that showed the same results. SSA may find that your disability equals the listing.
You can also equal a listing if you have multiple disabilities but none of them meet the listings individually. SSA will look at listings that are close to your disabilities. If the combination of your impairments adds up to an impairment that is just as severe as the listing, your disabilities would equal the listings.
What if your medical condition is not under the Listings?
You can still be found disabled if your disability does not meet or equal the listings. However, you must show that your medical condition keeps you from working.
Some examples of other disabilities include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Celiac Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease
Your disability must be supported by medical evidence. Medical evidence may include:
Physical examinations
Treatment notes
MRIs
CAT scans
X-rays
Blood work results
Biopsy results
Pulmonary function tests
Mental health records
What medical evidence is considered relevant?
Your medical evidence must cover the period of time that you became disabled and unable to work. Your treatment should be continuous and ongoing. Treatment received prior to becoming unable to work is not necessary. In fact, it can be harmful in some cases.
How does SSA evaluate your medical evidence?
Your medical condition must limit your ability to perform daily activities. SSA will determine the most that you can do despite your disabilities based on your medical evidence. An RFC includes both exertional and non-exertional limitations. Exertional limitations include the:
Ability to sit
To stand
To walk
The amount of weight you can lift or carry
Non-exertional limitations include:
Your ability to climb stairs or ramps or ladders, or ropes or scaffolds
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or balance
Your ability to use your hands
Environmental restrictions such as your ability to tolerate temperature extremes or dusts, odors, gases or fumes
Your ability to follow instructions, get along with other people, stay focused or concentrate, maintain a regular, full-time work schedule
Your doctors may also submit an opinion about your disabilities. The opinion should include specific restrictions about your activities.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
The difference between SSI and SSDI. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are both federal disability programs under the Social Security Administration (SSA). Both programs provide cash payments for individuals who meet the definition of “disabled.” However, there are distinct differences between them.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a financial need-based program that considers your income, assets and resources. Supplemental Security Income, SSI is funded by general tax funds, not the Social Security trust fund. It has a very strict set of financial requirements. To meet the SSI financial requirements, you must:
Own less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple),
Have a very limited income, and
Be a US citizen (there are very few exceptions to this).
Both disabled children and adults may qualify for SSI benefits. You can file for SSI without a work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments have a maximum monthly rate. The federal SSI payment standard for 2020 is $783 per month. Most states will provide an additional small supplemental payment. Dependent children or spouses do not receive payments under SSI.
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to individuals who have worked a certain number of years and paid into the Social Security system. Unlike SSI, there are no limitations for income or assets. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requirements are that:
You must be between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, and
You have earned a certain amount of “work credits.”
To file for SSDI you do not have to be a US citizen. Any worker with a valid social security number who paid into Social Security may file. Under SSDI, a disabled individual’s spouse and dependent children are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits. Spouses and dependent children are also called auxiliary benefits. There is a waiting period of five months after being found disabled before payments will begin. The amount of an individual’s benefits is determined by your earnings record.
Medical Coverage for SSI and SSDI
Individuals who receive payments under the SSI program receive Medicaid. Medicaid benefits start right away. Individuals receiving SSDI will receive Medicare benefits. However, these benefits will not begin right away. Medicare benefits start two years after a person is found eligible for SSDI. However, Medicare does not cover all primary medical care. You may need to purchase an additional policy to supplement Medicare benefits.
What do SSI and SSDI Have in Common?
SSA will ask five questions to determine your eligibility for both SSI and SSDI.
Are you working?
Is your condition “severe” (limiting your ability to work for at least 12 months)?
Does your condition meet or equal the medical listing (the condition is causing the most severe limitations and impact on your functioning)?
Can you do any of your past work (only work done in the past 15 years)?
If not, is there any other type of work you can do?
In addition, Social Security will ask you to complete forms. These will ask you to describe your daily activities. You will need to provide a description of your work history. Social Security will also contact your doctors to review your medical records.
Can you collect SSI and SSDI at the same time?
You can file for both SSDI and SSI (“Concurrent Benefits”) if:
If you have earned enough credits for SSDI and
Meet the financial requirements for SSI.
Example of Concurrent Benefits
You have worked consistently in the past. However, you had to stop working due to your medical conditions. Now that you are no longer working, you may not have any income. You may have to apply for state assistance or rely on others for financial help. You would be able to file for SSDI because of your work history. In addition, you would be able to file for SSI because you now have a limited income.
In some cases, a person may collect SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time.
Your SSDI benefit may low because of several factors, including:
earning lower wages throughout the course of your work history
having very little or not at all in the last 10 years
becoming disabled at a young age
If your monthly payments from SSDI are below $783 per month, you can also receive an SSI payment up to that amount. If you receive payments from both SSDI and SSI, you will also receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
There are some cases where an individual may not qualify for either SSDI or SSI.
You did not earn enough credits for SSDI,
You may have other income, assets or resources that are too high to file for SSI, or
Your spouse’s income is too high.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
