| Social Security Disability is not available | | | | work are job specific and are not readily |
| for everyone who has an impairment. If you | | | | transferable to other occupations. |
| are under age 50 and are still capable of | | | | |
| some kind of employment in the national | | | | Of course, there are those cases in which the |
| economy then you probably cannot get Social | | | | impairment is so severe that all employment |
| Security Disability. What you can do is | | | | is precluded even though the claimant is |
| contact your state Department of | | | | young or highly skilled or highly educated. |
| Rehabilitation and seek help in obtaining | | | | But most cases involve claimants who because |
| retraining or job placement. This service | | | | of their impairment cannot do their past |
| should be free for anyone who has an | | | | relevant work (PRW). Then the Big Question |
| impairment. Of course, if you are still | | | | becomes can they do other light work or |
| working and making $840.00 or over then you | | | | perhaps sedentary (sit down work) in the |
| are presumed not to be disabled. | | | | national economy despite their impairment. |
| | | | |
| If you are over 50, then proving disability | | | | Where an individual case fits in the process |
| gets somewhat easier. However, your age | | | | can be determined by an experienced Social |
| really does not help you until you are 55 or | | | | Security Attorney. He or she can evaluate the |
| over. If you are 55 or over, have a severe | | | | case and advise whether or not it is worth |
| impairment that prevents past relevant work | | | | going forward. |
| (PRW), then you are a better candidate for | | | | |
| disability. If you have less than a high | | | | For more advice, you can contact us at or |
| school education, are over 55, and have only | | | | email us at or reach us at |
| a history of unskilled work, then you are | | | | |
| even a better candidate for disability | | | | This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or |
| provided you have a severe impairment. As the | | | | Advertising Material under the Rules of |
| above discussion shows, when applying for | | | | Professional Conduct governing lawyers in |
| Disability, it is better to be older than 55, | | | | Virginia. This note is designed for general |
| uneducated, and have no skills. If you lack | | | | information only. The information presented |
| any of these, then the case for Disability | | | | at this site should not be construed as legal |
| becomes harder. Alternatively, it is also | | | | advice. |
| helpful if the skills you acquired from your | | | | |