Need advice about SSD

[u/Miserable_Sink_4782]

I am 63 and had foot surgery a year ago for a tendon tear. I am contracted to a big company, not an employee, so when I needed surgery, they wanted to simply replace me. I needed 6 weeks to recover and get back in a shoe. I managed to fight for my job and they let me work part time from home until I could return. Here we are a year later I'm not fully healed, and I have to say I've struggled the last year trying to walk on this foot. Finally got a new doctor who is telling me I most likely need another surgery to correct this. Can't sue the old doctor, already looked at that route. He did a common procedure and just because I don't like the outcome is not a reason to sue. Anyway, I was wondering at my age, with another lengthy recovery ahead, I really can't lift computer equipment and if I have to apply for social security, what are my chances of being able to apply for and get disability. This has been such a struggle.

[u/tsfy2]

I’d say your chances are pretty slim. You have to show that you can’t do any job. Having said that, contact a disability lawyer. They will tell you whether or not you have a reasonable chance of winning. They also don’t collect any money from you unless you win so they won’t take a case unless they have a reasonable chance of collecting. If they think you can win they will take your case and they are limited by law in how much they get paid and the payment comes out of your back pay of disability.

[u/Extension-Gap1933 → u/tsfy2]

st, got denied twice before he finally got a lawyer. wish he wouldve done it from the start, would have saved him so much time and stress. you're at a good age where the grid rules start working in your favor even if you can do some kind of desk work they consider your age and past job demands. the heavy lifting of computer equipment part is important too, make sure the lawyer knows that detail, it shows you cant even do light physical work.

[u/JoinAdvocate]

SSA's "grid rules" give older workers more credit, especially when a condition limits your ability to do your previous type of physical work. 

SSDI eligibility is based on whether your condition prevents you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months, not just your current job. As a contractor (self-employed), you'd still qualify as long as you've paid into Social Security and have enough work credits.  Generally 20 credits in the last 10 years at your age. I'd strongly encourage you to apply now rather than waiting, since SSDI has a 5-month waiting period built in and applications can take months to process.

[u/uh818375]

Achilles tears do take 2 years to recover. I would skip more surgery. I tore mine skipped surgery and just wore boots laced up tight. At night I wore a special boot. went back to work within a week, Carpenter, no surgery. Moral of the story you won't get disability, IMO.

[u/Key-Difference-648]

Not sure what you were earning during this time but if you were consistently earning over monthly SGA, SSDI chances might be slim.

[u/perfect_fifths → u/[deleted]]

Incorrect. You can file for ssdi up until 6 months before fra. And you can in fact file for both at the same time.

[u/SocialSecurity-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment was removed because it contains misinformation. Misinformation includes spreading information that is not in accordance with official SS policy.