The State of Delaware has lost three major employers in the past year. Chrysler completely shut its Newark Delaware automobile manufacturing plant in December 2008, followed by GM closing its Boxwood Road Saturn plant in July 2009. Most recently, Valero announced on November 20, 2009 that it would permanently close its refinery in Delaware City. All three of these closings have resulted in skilled highly compensated workers suddenly being unemployed.
From my experience in Social Security Disability, I have learned that the Unions that represented employees at each of these plants had done a great job of protecting workers. Despite serious medical limitations, many employees were able to maintain their employment thanks to accommodations that were made for them. With the disappearance of the large manufacturing sector in Northern Delaware, is unlikely that many of these individuals will be able to obtain competitive work despite the skills they have acquired over their lifetime and their long work history. Even if many of these workers find alternative employment, without the protection of the Union, it will be more difficult for those with medical limitations to maintain work.
It is important that individuals age 50 and over consider Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits if they have become displaced because of a plant closing. If you are over the age of 50, the Social Security Administration Disability Regulations require that greater attention be paid to the work that you performed in the past. It is much more likely that an individual over the age of 50 will be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance if they have performed skilled physically demanding work in the past. The main consideration will be on whether you can perform the same type of work you did in the past. (If you are under 50 you are only disabled if you are unable to perform all full-time work).
Normally, individuals that have performed work on an automobile assembly line or at a refinery have a much better chance of being approved for disability benefits than individuals that have performed less physically demanding work. If you are experiencing difficulty finding work since you have become unexpectedly unemployed, it is important that you consider an application for disability benefits if you have a medical condition or conditions that limit your ability to perform work in any way.
My office is available for free consultations for individuals that have been displaced from manufacturing work and have been unable to obtain alternate employment because of physical or mental disabilities. It will be important that you are able to describe your physical and mental limitations, and that you can describe in simple terms how your condition limits your ability to sit, stand or lift. It is also important that you have regular medical treatment for your medical condition or conditions.
Social Security disability insurance is an entitlement program that you pay into when you are working and have taxes withheld from your paycheck. Unfortunately, many people that lose manufacturing jobs and are over the age of 50 do not recognize that they may qualify for these benefits. If you are considering collecting early retirement or you are unable to continue to work and are over the age of 50, I would strongly advise that you also determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.
Related Posts:
- Social Security Disability Insurance as an Alternative to Early Retirement
- Information Needed at Initial Consultation Appointment for Social Security Disability/SSI
- The Initial Consultation Appointment for Social Security Disability/SSI Representation
- 10 Things to Know Before Applying for Social Security Disability
This article was written by Steven Butler. Steven is a partner at Linarducci & Butler, PA and his practice is limited to Social Security Disability/SSI claims. Steven offers free initial consultations for Social Security Disability/SSI claims to residents of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To schedule a consultation with Steven, please use the Linarducci & Butler Contact Form or call 302-613-0707 to schedule an appointment.