- Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Your Sixties.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Your Sixties.
If you feel you are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, know that you have options. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to those who cannot work due to their disabling conditions.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a low-income program that provides monthly benefits to disabled individuals who meet certain low-income requirements.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSD or SSDI) is a monthly benefit program for disabled individuals who have worked and paid into the program.
If you are unsure of which program is right for you, you can contact the SSA or an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer to help guide you.
Once you meet the technical requirements for either benefit, you must then meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability.
The Social Security Administration also considers age, education and work history when making a decision on an individual’s claim.
When an individual is in their sixties and applying for disability benefits, the SSA will consider the fact that it may be more difficult for applicants in this age bracket to learn new skills and adapt to new work environments.
Because of this, applicants in their sixties have a higher success rate of being approved from their application than younger individuals.
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Start A Free EvaluationYou can typically file for early retirement benefits once you turn sixty-two. However, it is important to know, that if you decide to take early retirement, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced. The amount Social Security reduces your benefit will depend on how long it is until you reach full retirement age.
You are also able to collect early retirement benefits while you wait on a determination of your disability application.
If your disability application is approved, the early retirement reduction will no longer apply. You would then be receiving Social Security Disability, which is the same amount as an individual’s full retirement benefit.
If you have been contemplating applying for these benefits the time to apply is now.
You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you feel you have become disabled and know that you will be unable to work.
Getting Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for disability benefits does not have to be difficult. Contacting an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help you navigate through this complex process.
The process for receiving these monthly payments and benefits can take a long time, so do not wait to apply.
If you are in your sixties and considering applying for either SSD or SSI benefits or have questions about your claim, contact the experienced Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green. We will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your claim for benefits.
