Blue-collar workers are often very hard-working professionals. Many of them start their careers late in their teen years and continue developing specialized skills or relevant experience for decades. They can do real damage to their bodies by performing arduous physical labor for their employers.
The wages and benefits that they receive generally reflect the risk that comes with their career choices. Many blue-collar workers eventually retire and enjoy their golden years at home with their families due to retirement savings and pensions. Not everyone is that lucky.
Blue-collar workers may develop debilitating medical conditions, possibly because of the work that they do. Others could develop or acquire unrelated medical challenges that prevent them from continuing their careers. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can protect those who can no longer work due to health challenges. Blue-collar workers are sometimes eligible for SSDI benefits when other people might not qualify due to a special rule.
Blue-collar work can damage the human body
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a relatively high standard for total disability. Professionals typically only qualify when they are incapable of working any job, not just their current job. An architect who makes a generous six-figure salary may not qualify for SSDI benefits if a brain injury forces them to leave their job. If they can still work as a line cook or cashier, they aren’t eligible for SSDI benefits.
There is an exception to that high standard for blue-collar employees. Those who have spent 35 years or longer in a blue-collar profession can qualify for SSDI benefits under the worn-out worker rule. This rule acknowledges the physical toll that physical labor takes on the human body.
Professionals who have spent 35 years or longer in a blue-collar profession and who have only a marginal education can qualify for SSDI benefits when they can no longer perform the same job. Of course, qualifying under this special rule requires more documentation than a traditional SSDI benefits claim.
Applicants need proof of their educational record and employment history. They may need help communicating with the SSA during the application process. They may also need to prepare for an appeal in some cases.
Securing the assistance of an attorney can help people evaluate their eligibility for SSDI benefits. An attorney can educate their clients and oversee most of the process for them. Getting help as soon as possible can help blue-collar workers support themselves when health challenges force them out of their jobs.