The standard for total disability maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is relatively high. Applicants seeking disability benefits must typically show that they are unable to maintain any consistent employment.
Typically, those with conditions that force them to change careers must accept lower-paying work instead of pursuing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Even if their wages drop by tens of thousands of dollars, they are ineligible for SSDI if they can perform any kind of gainful work.
Only those with total disabilities are eligible for SSDI benefits. There is one main exception to this strict standard that applies to long-term blue-collar workers. This rule can help some professionals qualify for SSDI benefits in scenarios where others might not qualify.
What is the worn-out worker rule?
The SSA recognizes how arduous physical labor affects the human body. In cases where people have performed nothing but manual, blue-collar labor for decades, their inability to continue their current job could make them eligible for SSDI benefits.
To qualify under the worn-out worker rule, applicants must show that they have marginal education. Workers who meet this relatively strict standard after working only manual labor jobs for 35 years or longer.
They must also show that they have only a marginal education. Professionals who meet this relatively strict standard could qualify for SSDI benefits despite potentially being able to work a low-paying job with their medical condition.
Blue-collar workers may benefit from special SSDI qualification rules intended to protect them after years of arduous physical labor. Reviewing personal history and medical challenges with an SSDI attorney can help people understand their options accordingly.