I frequently hear lawyers say that Social Security is one of the most confusing areas of law that they practice. It also seems arbitrary. One claimant gets approved while another one, seemingly just as eligible, gets denied.
A typical disability claimant gets denied, appeals, gets denied a second time, appeals--then finally wins. The process often takes 1 to 3 years, sometimes longer.
Most of the awards are made at the hearing level--before an administrative law judge. I have noticed that claimants who are age 50 or over get approved quicker and easier than others.
The big difference is the grid rules--a shortcut that Social Security uses to combine the effects of age, medical restrictions, education and past work experience to quickly determine if someone can be approved with less red tape.
The grid rules only work for individuals age 50 or over. And they only work for persons with physical impairments, as opposed to mental or psychological impairments.
Persons who are under age 50 or who have mental impairments can certainly be approved--but not by using the grid rules. These individuals must take a different approach to being approved for benefits. This often involves proving that they cannot perform ANY full-time work, of any kind.
When I first began Social Security practice years ago, I admit that the grid rules were confusing to me. After having the privilege of helping hundreds of disabled claimants over the years, the grid rules have become my friends. I use them regularly to cut the red tape and get administrative law judges to approve cases that otherwise might languish months or years without a favorable decision.
If you are age 50 or over, have a severe medical condition that will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, we may be able to use grid rules to help drive your case to a successful resolution. Remember, persons under 50 can be approved but we would take a different approach.
If you don't understand Social Security rules, please speak to someone who does. It can mean the difference between financial peace and a ruined financial life. Get some help--and get your benefits.
CALL THE FORSYTHE FIRM (256) 431-1599 (256) 799-0297
"Forget Grid Rules: I Need Personal Help"
A typical disability claimant gets denied, appeals, gets denied a second time, appeals--then finally wins. The process often takes 1 to 3 years, sometimes longer.
Most of the awards are made at the hearing level--before an administrative law judge. I have noticed that claimants who are age 50 or over get approved quicker and easier than others.
The big difference is the grid rules--a shortcut that Social Security uses to combine the effects of age, medical restrictions, education and past work experience to quickly determine if someone can be approved with less red tape.
The grid rules only work for individuals age 50 or over. And they only work for persons with physical impairments, as opposed to mental or psychological impairments.
Persons who are under age 50 or who have mental impairments can certainly be approved--but not by using the grid rules. These individuals must take a different approach to being approved for benefits. This often involves proving that they cannot perform ANY full-time work, of any kind.
When I first began Social Security practice years ago, I admit that the grid rules were confusing to me. After having the privilege of helping hundreds of disabled claimants over the years, the grid rules have become my friends. I use them regularly to cut the red tape and get administrative law judges to approve cases that otherwise might languish months or years without a favorable decision.
If you are age 50 or over, have a severe medical condition that will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, we may be able to use grid rules to help drive your case to a successful resolution. Remember, persons under 50 can be approved but we would take a different approach.
If you don't understand Social Security rules, please speak to someone who does. It can mean the difference between financial peace and a ruined financial life. Get some help--and get your benefits.
CALL THE FORSYTHE FIRM (256) 431-1599 (256) 799-0297
"Forget Grid Rules: I Need Personal Help"
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