Attorney Melissa Lanouette can be reached at LanouetteLaw.com.
Melissa is a Massachusetts lawyer creating videos to help her clients and you by answering frequently-asked questions about Social Security Disability.
She focuses her practice and creates videos about Social Security, Personal Injury, Federal Workers’ Compensation, Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation, Massachusetts personal injury, and Massachusetts Disability Retirement.
If you have a question, leave it in the comments, I’d love to make more videos for you….(read more)
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As individuals near retirement age, they may find themselves facing health challenges that make it difficult to continue working. In such cases, applying for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) could provide much-needed financial support. While the process may be daunting, understanding the steps and requirements can make it more manageable.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that Social Security Disability Benefits are meant to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition that is expected to last for at least a year or result in death. This means that individuals who are close to retirement age can still apply for SSDI if they meet the eligibility criteria.
The application process for SSDI involves several steps. The first step is to gather all the necessary documentation, including medical records, doctor’s notes, and a detailed work history. This information will help to establish the severity of the medical condition and the impact it has on the individual’s ability to work.
After gathering the necessary documentation, individuals can apply for SSDI online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or by scheduling an appointment with their local SSA office. It’s important to provide as much detailed information as possible about the medical condition and its impact on the individual’s ability to work.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the SSA to determine if the individual meets the eligibility criteria for SSDI. This process can take several months, so it’s important to be patient and to continue seeking medical treatment and updating the SSA on any changes in the medical condition.
It’s worth noting that individuals who are close to retirement age may also be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. In some cases, individuals may be eligible for both SSDI and retirement benefits, known as “concurrent benefits.” The SSA will automatically convert SSDI benefits to retirement benefits once the individual reaches full retirement age.
While applying for SSDI near retirement age may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that the program is designed to provide support to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. By understanding the steps and requirements for applying for SSDI, individuals can navigate the process with confidence and hopefully secure the financial support they need during a challenging time.
Amazing video, A friend of mine referred me to a financial adviser sometime ago and we got talking about investment and money. I started investing with $120k and in the first 2 months , my portfolio was reading $274,800. Crazy right!, I decided to reinvest my profit and gets more interesting. For over a year we have been working together making consistent profit just bought my second home 2 weeks ago and care for my family.
Good video, I plan on applying at 61 or 62 yrs old, but will start taking ssi retirement at 62 yrs old also while waiting on ssdi. I am also disabled veteran and a prostate cancer survivor with a diagnosis of ptsd and mild dementia plus knee and back injuries.
Any advice ?
My mother in law has dementia (pretty advanced) She's already collecting her SS retirement benefits (I think at 67 or maybe a little later- She's 85 now) Her monthly SS retirement benefit is pretty low. Is there a way to get an increase in her SS retirement benefit now that she has dementia (she was probably diagnosed when she was 78-80) Thanks
I want to apply for social security at 62 and I am 20% disabled through the VA and now have diabetes and sleep apnea. What should I do
I'm looking you up. I need help and answers. Last disability lawyer just dropped my case. His assistant just answered an email telling me he wasn't aware of HIPPA. Maybe you can give me another solution or something. I may not be alive in 2 years and that's being optimistic. I can pay you as i received an insurance check from the corporation I work for. They know how serious my condition is. Even sent me Chicken Soup for the Soul – The Cancer Book.
Going to your website.
Melissa I am 64 have chronic A-Fib, have a pacemaker, in fact On New Year's Eve 2020 I actually died my hero my wife did 15 minutes of CPR and saved me! I have had a triple bypass and Last month I went into A-Fib and was in the hospital for 4 days to get back into Sinus. In addition, I have diabetes and my A1C is near 12., working hard to get under control I do outreach to homeless vets. I am exhausted every day, but I need Health insurance, so I have to work, I am basically working for insurance. Do i even have a chance of SSA Disability? I can't take to many chances with this by applying for early SSA and disability? Thank you in advance for any advice.
Hello Mam! Can you be able to represent me here in Phoenix, AZ for SS disability retirement?
What about a 74 year old lady who has been on social security for several years and has not worked a lot and has Parkinson's? Is it even possible or worthwhile to apply for SSDI? Her husband is a also retired. They get by on Soc Sec but don't qualify for SSI.
Been trying to get disability for 40 years all i get told is deaf is a automatic disqualification.
Can i qualify for SSI if i have learning disabilities that have prevented me from holding a job, forming a meaningful relationship or accumilating money?
July 2023 I'm now 61 years old, I will be 62 years old in April of 2024. I'm seeing doctors now I already seen a lawyer and she's going to apply around December of 2023. So while I'm waiting to be approved, if I turn 62 years old, are you saying I should take Social Security and then when I'm approved it will switch over to my full retirement age disability pay??
wow great news thanks
Hello I live in Massachusetts and my rheumatologist and pcp are saying that I need to apply for disability. I work in the medical field but have been unable to physically go back to work now for almost a year. My job is getting ready to process a separation if I do not return but due to my medical condition and new medications I’m on (now one being a chemo med) it now further limits my ability to work. Can you give insight on what you’d recommend or if I should contact you or another lawyer. All this is new to me and I’m only 41 still raising kids, this is a scary process.
Wish I met you a month early just did file for SSDI this July 2022.
So a year ago I had to stop working at my grocery store because of excruciating pain in my back and leg from walking and standing for any length of time .After an MRI I was diagnosed with lower lumbar stenosis and a bone spur putting pressure on a nerve that's causing the inflammation and pain along with numbness in my leg and foot..I'm doing back and SI joint injections and have been doing physical therapy every week for the last year…I'm on long term disability from my employer but they required my to file for SSDI…I was hoping to work until my full retirement age but dont see that happening now…I just turned 62 and have worked in the grocery store for 37 years doing only physical work…I also have only a high school education. ..I've filled out all the necessary forms from social security disability but havent heard anything yet…I also have an attorney…The pain is getting worse and worse to where now I cant even sit for more than 45 minutes…I've been reading about the grid rules for SSDI…..Do you think I have a good case and a good chance of getting a favorable decision for SSDI ??
when we come here in USA ,very few things we know about these because of lack of education and information in busy schedule of life where we engage only into our professional pursuit of life. Hiring a lawyer , never comes in mind ! this 3rd world country syndrome , a fear remains that avoid a doctor or a lawyer by all means ! i am a medical dcotor came to USA for hgiher studies but unfortunately met a car accident in florida that made me completely incapable to pursue my medical surgical practice. so i tried to get disability after coming to California but county system of medical team considered me "not fully disabled " : my right hand fingers were called "dupytrens contracture " was some how dismissed and i never got to profession or disability either. now i do work as a sales person (online job) aand 75 yrs old and give up the idea completely defeated to system. when i read now a days , all these topics published in internet , i wondered how i missed it ! another cause of it is "SELF -DEFEAT " , a depression comes and you accept the situation !
Hello, how does this work,, I'm a 59yr old male, in 2016 I was diagnosed with Congestive heart failure, In very bad shape, I ended up qualifying for SSI disability, not SSDI,, when I turn 62, will they automatically put me on retirement, will they keep my income the same, can I apply or qualify for retirement and SSI, or will I not be on retirement, not sure what's gonna happen
If aaa finds you were disabled after you filed for SSDI your benefits might be lowered, correct?
Could you do a video on the value of a Disability Trust?
How may I contact you, personally without putting my questions out to the world for viewing?!! Thank you
Hi, I’m going through the process now. I was injured at work. I have subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee and I’m 57. Do you think my chances are good to get benefits? I have a attorney and I’m waiting for a letter in the mail that schedules me for an IME visit. Thanks.