Medical Care and Social Security Disability for Those Under 50

08/17/08

Obtaining Social Security disability benefits for a person under the age of 50 is not impossible, but it is much more difficult then it would be for someone over 50, who is considered an older individual. For those that are younger than 50, obtaining disability benefits is dependant on their ability to prove that there is no work they are currently able to do. For somebody over 50, on the other hand, the only proof they need to provide is that they are no longer able to have the same vocation they did during the last fifteen years. Those people who do not have medical insurance of their own can visit Social Security doctors for evaluation. These Social Security doctors are not actually there to treat you, but to examine your case impartially and methodically. Because of this, having a record of treatment from independent (non Social Security) doctors is generally the best way to provide proof of your disability. Doctors that know you and know what you are going through.

If, however, you have no access to medical insurance, you have two different options for obtaining care. Your local county clinic and vocational rehabilitation. County clinics are there for people who do not have medical insurance. If you decide to use a county clinic, the best way to go about it is quietly: it is best not to tell them about your current disabilities. Why? Because underfunded county clinics often turn away those with complex medical problems, insisting that they do not have enough money to treat you. When they hear of the depth of your disability, they may turn your away without letting you see even one doctor. You just simply them that you do not have medical insurance and you need a primary doctor. Say nothing else. Once you see the actual doctor, then you can tell him/her about all your medical conditions. Often times, they will send you to specialists for your conditions and pay for it.

Your other medical care option, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, is paid for by the state and works to train people for a vocation or career. However, before sending you off for training, this program will check your medical history and have you checked out by doctors associated with the program. They will pay for doctor visits, medications, tests and even surgeries and/or procedures, if warranted. At the end, they will make a determination as to whether they feel you can or cannot work. If at the end of the decision process the program determines you unable to work, they will then send you over to Social Security to apply for benefits. Having this happen can be really boost your Social Security disability claim, as a government vocational program has already determined you to be unfit to work. And as a "bonus," you have also received the treatments and medicines you needed without having to pay a penny. On the other hand if they believe that you can work then they will train you and help you find a job. In this case, the medical records, etc., you obtained can still be used to prove your Social Security disability claim.

Once again, without medical treatment, especially for younger individuals, it is almost impossible to get Social Security Disability Benefits. Therefore, you have to get into medical treatment as soon possible.