The article discusses the factors that come into play while applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), especially for individuals over 55 years old. SSDI benefits are available for individuals who exhibit an injury or illness, making them unable to procure a living through work. An age of 55 and over can significantly contribute to a disability claim as the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes a favorable view on their inability to work. The SSA imposes Medical-Vocational Guidelines, also known as Grid Rules , to help the disabled ascertaining their condition and capability to work.

For most individuals, SSDI applications get denied primarily. However, age-related considerations might apply if the applicant is over 55 and was previously denied SSDI. SSDI benefits are designed to replace a certain percentage of income lost due to inability to work. Notably, individuals do need prior work history to qualify for SSDI benefits, as these are primarily funded by Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) paycheck deductions.

The SSA has two methods to determine if an applicant is disabled. First, if an applicant’s condition matches a criterion in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. If the applicant automatically qualifies for disability benefits. However, if an applicant’s medical condition doesn’t match any listed impairment, SSA examiners then decide whether the condition is of equal severity to a listed condition, and whether the applicant can continue with their past job or any other job they are trained to do.

Along with assessing medical condition, age is also considered an influencing factor in determining whether a disability applicant can perform any substantial gainful activity. SSA concludes that advancing age impedes a person’s ability to adjust to diverse work. In essence, if an applicant is 55 or above while applying for SSDI, they are more likely to be considered unable to perform any work they haven’t done recently.

While applying for SSDI, it is critical to accurately present medical records. Legal help from a Social Security Disability lawyer can improve the chances of qualifying for SSDI by aiding with the preparation of SSDI benefits application and navigating the rules of Social Security Disability.

Despite the insight given, there’s no specific mention of how to contact the SSDI, for that, one would need information similar to what eddcaller.com provides for getting a hold of agencies like the Employment Development Department (EDD), Paid Family Leave (PFL), or Disability Insurance (SDI). These are crucial contact points for those who need support in times of unemployment, injury, or during family leave. A resource that enables clear, easy, and quick ways to connect with such services would be highly beneficial for SSDI applicants as well.