When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, there are a number of factors that the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into consideration when determining whether or not you are capable of working. Some of these factors include your educational history, your prior work history and your age. If you want to understand how these factors affect the SSA’s decision when determining whether or not you are capable of any substantial gainful activity, the following information will offer some helpful insight.
Back to topWhy Does My Age Matter?
Many people who are applying for Social Security Disability benefits do not understand why age matters when the SSA is determining whether or not an individual is capable of work activity. The reason that age affects your ability to work is because younger individuals are more apt to be able to learn a new skill that would allow them to perform a different type of work than the work they were performing prior to their disability.
For example, if you were a construction worker who suffered a back injury, it would be evident that you could no longer perform construction. You might, however, be able to learn new skills that would allow you to perform an office job. The ability to learn these skills may decrease with age. This is why it is often easier for older adults to obtain Social Security Disability benefits than it is for applicants who are in their 20s or 30s.
Back to topWhy Is My Education Considered?
Your education has an impact on exactly what jobs you may qualify for in the national economy. If you have a degree behind you that allows you to perform a type of work activity that would not interfere with your disability, it is likely that you will not be awarded Social Security Disability benefits.
Back to topWhy Does the SSA Look at My Work History?
Your work history shows the SSA the types of work that you have performed in the past. If your disability prevents you from performing your current work, that does not mean that it will interfere with you performing another type of work that you already have experience in. if this is the case, then it is likely that your SSA benefits will be denied.
If you are worried that your age, work history or education may have a negative impact on your claim for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to consult with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. You can start this process by filling out a free evaluation form. These professionals can help you through your disability claim and can help you prove to the SSA that you are unable to perform any type of work at all – not just the type of work you were performing prior to the onset of your disabling condition.
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