IF I OWN MY OWN BUSINESS AND HAVE A DISABLING CONDITION THAT PREVENTS ME FROM TECHNICALLY "DOING WORK" WITHIN MY BUSINESS, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

How does my age affect my ability to get Social Security Disability benefits?

The recent spike in disability claims is driven partly by the recession and partly by an increase in the number of baby boomers who are reaching their most injury-prone years and suddenly find themselves hurt and unable to work. One of the criteria for receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is that you must be unable to work, and a number of factors affect that determination.

Some of the factors that are considered when the SSA evaluates whether or not you are still able to work include the type of work you have done in the past, your education, the limitations of your medical condition, and your age.

Your age is considered when you apply for SSD benefits

When it comes to factoring age into a SSD benefits determination, there is no hard and fast rule. A young worker may be completely disabled and unable to work because of a very serious injury, but an older worker may still be able to work because their illness or injury is not as severe.

Some of the factors that are considered when the SSA evaluates your age include:

Age alone is not used to determine SSD benefits eligibility. Your age is considered in combination with your education, work history, and functional abilities.
Your age is considered because it may limit your ability to do the type of work that you were capable of doing, depending on what that was.
For individuals under the age of 50, age is often not a factor when SSD eligibility is considered. This is because younger people are often not limited at work by age alone.
Individuals aged 45 to 49 may have their age factored in to the type of work they could do, because they are getting close to a time when some workers are limited by age. It can be more challenging for older workers to adjust to different work than it is for younger workers.
Age of individuals approaching what SSA calls an “advanced age” – aged 50 to 54 – can severely impact an individuals ability to work, depending on their work experience and education.
A worker of “advanced age” – that is, 55 or older – is considered by the SSA to be significantly affected by their age, especially since they are approaching retirement age. Retirement age is considered age 60 and above.

Get help with your SSD benefits claim

Regardless of how old you are, the process and paperwork necessary to secure Social Security Disability benefits in New York can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are struggling to complete the steps necessary to get the benefits you need to survive.

Please contact the Social Security Disability attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, and let us help you with your initial claim or your appeal.

Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.

14 Mamaroneck Avenue

Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10601

Toll Free: (866) 205-2415

Phone: (914) 946-1452

Fax: (914) 946-0810