Disability benefits are available to anyone that has a serious or terminal illness and is thereby unable to work.
In other words, if you have worked in the past but you now have a terminal illness, and disability benefits are necessary for you to be able to pay for the things you need, you can apply for these benefits right now. But, if you are over the age of 50 and you are applying for disability benefits due to a terminal illness, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need some additional information to determine if you qualify for disability benefits.
Grid Rules and Qualifying Disability with a Terminal Illness Over 50
If you’re applying disability over age 50, your age will work in your favor when the SSA is determining your eligibility. When you’re applying for disability benefits due to a terminal illness, the SSA will use Grid rules to determine if you are disabled.
Grid rules are a complex set of factors that the SSA uses in combination with other information to determine whether or not there is any kind of work that you can do with your condition. Grid rules take into account your age, your education, and the work that you’ve done in the past. In addition to grid rules, the SSA will also look at your medical records to see what the nature of your disability is.
By using your past work and education history to determine your skill set, the SSA will consider whether or not you can perform sedentary work like answering phones or reception work. They will also consider whether or not you are able to do medium activity work such as being on your feet for a few hours or light work activity which would require activities like typing.
If you are able to perform sedentary, light, or medium work, your claim may be denied.
Medical Requirements for a Terminal Illness and Disability Benefits
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you should automatically qualify for disability benefits by submitting a letter of diagnosis from a doctor as well as any accompanying medical records that you have. Anyone that is in hospice care or has been given a diagnosis of less than six months to live should also automatically qualify for benefits.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits Heart Problems Over 50
You will need to have work credits to get approved for disability benefits. Anyone age 30 or older would need at least 20 work credits to qualify for disability benefits. If you are applying for disability benefits, you’re over the age of 50, and you have worked most of your life, chances are good that you will have enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits.
Get Help with Your Heart Problems Disability Claim
To find out more about terminal illness and disability, you should talk with a qualified attorney today. Given that having a terminal illness alone may not be enough to qualify you for benefits, it is important that you consult with an attorney as an attorney can give you personalized advice based on your specific situation.
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