At the law office of Hickman Menashe, P.S., we have more than 45 years of combined legal experience. We built our practice on a commitment to personalized service and individualized attention. Our lawyers examine your situation holistically, looking at all potential legal issues, as well as your options. As a small firm, we offer regular access to our attorneys, and will promptly return all calls and e-mails.
In acknowledgement of our reputation for effective advocacy, we are AV rated by our colleagues under Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System*.
How Age Can Affect an Application for Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security will find you to be "disabled" if it is determined that your diagnosed medical conditions cause you to be unable to be gainfully employed for at least a year. For many very severe conditions, age is not a limiting factor when seeking SSDI or SSI benefits. In cases that are less clear, or that involve a combination of conditions, your age will be considered in combination with your level of education, work history and functional abilities to determine if you are capable of performing some sort of gainful work.
Qualifying for Social Security Age 50 and Older
Social Security's rules reflect an understanding that, as you age, it becomes more difficult to learn and adapt to new job skills, and that an education in the remote past may not support a transition into the modern workforce. As a result, your chances of being approved for benefits may improve if you fall into a higher age category:
- If you are under 50, age will generally not be a factor. However, for individuals between ages 45 and 49 Social Security may consider it more difficult for you to adjust to different work than a younger person would.
- If you are approaching advanced age (between 50 and 54), your age can significantly affect your ability to work, depending on the type of job you have had, as well as your educational level.
- If you are of advanced age (55 and older), the Social Security Administration will consider that your ability to work is severely affected by your age.
Contact Our Office
For a confidential consultation with a Lynnwood area Social Security eligibility attorney, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 425-744-5658. For client convenience we have a second office in Bellevue. We maintain flexible hours to accommodate your needs. Home and hospital visits can be set up by request. We are accessible to persons with disabilities.
We generally handle all Social Security claims on a contingency fee basis. We will only charge attorney fees if we are able to get compensation for your disability.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories; legal ability and general ethical standards.
