What if I am Over the Age of Fifty?

If you're between the ages of 50 and 55:

There's specific guidelines for those age fifty and older from which you can benefit. These guidelines can make it simpler to get approval of your Social Security disability benefits.

For those who have difficulty and limits in your capability to stand or walk, or other health problems which affect your neck, back, ankles, knees, feet and legs - these could make your acceptance more workable.

Other health conditions like diabetes, heart or lung problems, or arthritis might enhance your qualifications for disability benefits.  This is especially valid if your previous employment has called for you to be on your feet, walking or standing, for the majority of your work day. Whether or not your past employment wasn't regarded as being physically challenging, you might still reap the benefits of a number of the rules which are available for those older than fifty years of age.

If you're between the ages of fifty-five and sixty:

If you're over age fifty-five and have health problems which are preventing  you from doing your prior occupation, there are other special rules that could apply to you. Should your health conditions stop you from doing a moderate level of lifting things over twenty pounds frequently, your qualification as a disability candidate is much better.

If you're age sixty and over:

When you are age 60 and older, the policies for disability end up being more to your advantage. Your disability benefit approval will most likely enable you to obtain your full Social Security retirement that you'd typically obtain around age sixty-six, only earlier. Once you reach age sixty-six, you can draw your whole retirement benefit for the rest of your life.

Appealing A Decision

If you've already been denied a claim by the Social Security Administration, we're able to help you with the appeals process. There is a four-step process the government uses during the appeal. Each step has to be completed in order, and we'll help you each step of the way.

1.   Reconsideration - Once you send in the form, your case is given to the State Disability Determination Services office. There, someone besides the initial reviewer will take a look at your medical records and make a new determination concerning your disability.

2.   Hearing  - If the reconsideration is rejected, the next phase is for us to submit a request to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. At this point, you could meet personally with the judge. After a meeting, the judge will tell you in writing the decision about your case.

3.   Appeals Council Review - The third step is very similar to the hearing. Your request will once again be sent to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Someone in that office will again take a look at your medical records and notify you in writing of the decision on your case.

4.   District Court Case - At this final level of appeal, you must have an attorney. Your case must be filed against Social Security in a District Court. From here, your case will be heard by a district court judge, who'll notify you in writing of the final decision concerning your case.

Child Qualifications For Social Security Disability Benefits

Your youngster could be eligible to get disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program.

If your child isn't married, isn't considered the head of a household, and is under 18 years of age (or if their under age 22 and is a student attending school regularly), they could satisfy the requirements.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits, your child must either be handicapped or blind.

•   Benefits can start as soon as the date of birth: there is no minimum age requirement
•   They can receive benefits until they reach the age of 18
•   Upon turning 18, disabilities will have to be evaluated on the definition of disability for adults
•   A visual impairment may qualify for SSI blindness benefits, based upon if the impairment fulfills the definition of statutory blindness: central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with the aid of a corrective lens, or if you've got a visual field limitation in your better eye, such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no higher than twenty degrees

No Charge Unless We Win Your Case!

In the economic system today, many family budgets are becoming stressed. With Kassin & Carrow, the last thing we wish to do is to add financial burdens to your family. We think that in the event that you don't succeed in your case, you shouldn't have to pay our fee.

For many cases, we work on a contingent fee basis of 25% of past-due benefits or $6,000.00, whichever is less. Any fee needs to be authorized by the Social Security Administration. If you don't win your case, then you won't have to pay any fee.

We'll ask you to refund us for cost of getting medical records, and for anything your doctor charges for writing reports to help us win your claim. Total expenses are generally less than $100.00.

Remember, if you don't win your case, then you will not pay any expenses.