While some disabilities strike when a person in Knoxville is still relatively young, with our nation’s ever-increasing age spans, many find that they are older when they are struck be a disabling condition (and in need of disability benefits). What they may not know, however, is that the disability benefits application of a person who is age 50 or older will look very different from an application submitted by a person in their 20s or 30s.
Of course, any person applying for Social Security Disability benefits must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability and have an adequate work history. However, those who qualify and are of age 55 or above may find the process is more streamlined. First of all, the SSA usually takes into account that an older worker may not have the job retraining potential a younger worker may have, often due in part to educational deficiencies.
Moreover, the order a person is, the more likely he or she has multiple conditions causing a disability. Having a number of conditions at once plays a role in the SSA’s decision-making process for older disabled workers. Cancer, heart attacks, joint issues, hypertension and diabetes are all types of disabling conditions that often do not strike until a person is older.
As this shows, even older workers may find that they are struck with a disabling condition, rendering them unable to work. When this happens, they may wish to pursue Social Security Disability benefits. They should not let their age deter them from doing so. In fact, people of all ages are awarded disability benefits, if they meet the necessary requirements. Older workers who want more information about applying for disability benefits may find the information found on the website of the Disability Advantage Group, helpful.