Getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits has long been a difficult process. Some adults dealing with debilitating and painful conditions don’t even apply for benefits because they have heard that almost no one gets approved.
It is true that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a very strict standard for disability claims. It is also true that there are certain scenarios in which the SSA deviates from those very strict standards. Claims made by blue-collar workers who now need to change their profession may qualify under a special rule. Those who have long worked a physically demanding job may have an easier time qualifying for benefits.
What is the special rule for blue-collar workers?
Performing physically demanding labor means doing more damage to your body in pursuit of a paycheck than an office worker or similar professional would have to endure. The SSA would expect that someone who has long worked as an architect who can no longer sit at a desk all day would take a job standing at a grocery store working as a greeter or cashier.
Someone capable of working, even if they have to change professions and drastically reduce their pay, likely won’t qualify for benefits. However, those who have performed physically-demanding careers for 35 years or longer could qualify for benefits if they have to change professions because of an injury. A blue-collar worker with three and a half decades on the job or longer who only has a marginal education can qualify for SSDI benefits if an injury forces them to change professions.
SSDI applications are complex
Many applicants get rejected when they initially apply for SSDI benefits. They may not present adequate documentation of their condition or might make mistakes in the paperwork. Especially when they have a medical condition affecting their daily life, they may not have the focus necessary to perfectly execute Social Security paperwork.
Those invoking special rules will need even more documentation than the average applicant. They will need information about their educational background and their work history in addition to records affirming their medical condition. Getting the right help will increase your chances of getting benefits When you submit an SSDI claim.
