One of the safety nets that people have when experiencing a disability is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). There are several factors that will play a role in determining not only whether or not someone receives benefits but also to what extent these benefits are provided. (Click for details.) One of these has to do with the relevant work guidelines, which can seriously impact the status of someone’s application.
One of the criteria that the Department of Social Security will use to determine benefits, regardless of age, is the Past Relevant Work Guidelines. When someone requests benefits, they will look at the jobs that they have held during the prior 15 years. Some people have disabilities that preclude them from performing the work that they might have done in the past. Examples of possible injuries that would prevent this include:
- A back injury in someone who has worked a construction job that prevents them from returning to work
- A hand injury to someone who is a surgeon that inhibits his or her ability to perform delicate surgical procedures
- Leg injuries in someone who works a job as a janitor that inhibits them from moving around the workplace effectively.
These are all examples of disabilities that might prevent someone from doing the work that they had been doing for most of their life.
On the other hand, based on Social Security rules, it could also found that they could perform work, even for less pay. They could deem these people to be not disabled. Because of this demarcation, someone’s application could be denied, leaving them wondering what they should do next. The guidelines for how Social Security determines whether or not someone is disabled change based on someone’s age.
Learn more about how age affects disability benefits.
It is important to get advice from a knowledgeable attorney about these issues. Our attorneys at Match Disability Law, PC are available to provide assistance. Contact us for a free evaluation of your disability claim as these special rules may apply to you.
