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Once you turn 50 years of age the requirements are not as strict for being found disabled.

Why?

Social Security has set its rules to arbitrarily make it easier for those 50 years and above.

The theory is that as we age it becomes more difficult for us to adjust to changes in work environment, and certain limitations make it harder to perform different types of jobs.

This does not mean that you cannot win your disability case if you are under 50 years of age.

In fact, many people under 50 years of age are found disabled. You just need to know what the rules require and what Social Security is looking for.

I do not agree with this, but they do it because when you accept Unemployment Compensation you are telling the government that you are ready, willing and able to work full time.

This is a real problem because if you are able to work then you cannot be found disabled for Social Security purposes.

This is also a problem because what are you going to do if you have to wait for 12 to 24 months for your Social Security and you have no income.

Your first priority is to survive. So you may have to take the unemployment and worry about the consequences later.

I have seen several cases where the Judge grants Social Security Disability benefits but reduces back benefits. That is a much better result than not getting benefits at all.

If you are awarded Social Security Disability benefits you will have to repay Unemployment at least some of the money.

Most Social Security Disability denials explain the reasons at the end of the notice.

It will say something like you can return to your old job, or you can still perform light work.

These reasons mean something to the Social Security Administration.

The first test in Social Security Disability is whether you can do your old job. If you can return to your old job, then you are not disabled.

The second test is what jobs are available if you cannot perform your old work.

If you are under 50 years of age and you can do any kind of work on a full time basis, then you are not disabled.

When you are 50 years of age and older the standards become less strict.

In a recent blog post I discussed how much time it usually takes to get through the Social Security Disability system in Central Illinois. In this post I will explain this in more detail.

When you file your application for Disability, it will be sent to Springfield, Illinois for review. This will take about 5 to 7 weeks.

If you are denied benefits, then the appeal will go back to Springfield for someone else to review. This will also take about 5 to 7 weeks.

If you are denied again, then you will have to file a Request for Hearing. It is taking approximately 10 to 12 months for your Social Security Disability Hearing to be scheduled.

There is no sure way to speed up the process. However, it is a good idea to make certain you keep going to your doctors so you can provide updated progress reports to Social Security. You should also keep Social Security informed about any changes in your household income, loss of your home, or any hardships that may occur. With dramatic changes you can request for Social Security to speed up your case.