Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) results from several different components, and age is one of the factors that will impact your claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses different rules for people depending on their age when they apply. Understanding how age affects the evaluation process can help you know what to expect.
How Age Gets Factored In
The SSA divides people into age categories when reviewing SSDI claims. These categories include people who are “younger” (under age 50), those who are “closely approaching advanced age” (ages 50-54), and those who are “advanced age” (ages 55 and older). The SSA understands that older workers have a unique set of circumstances. An older, disabled person will have more difficulty finding new employment opportunities.
For younger people, the SSA expects that they can adjust to different types of work more efficiently. So, it might be harder to get approved for SSDI if you are under 50 unless your medical condition is severe and prevents any type of work. For individuals 50 and older, the SSA considers finding and retraining for new employment harder due to their age, especially when the job involves physical tasks.
Additionally, the SSA considers how long a person has worked in their specific field and whether they can reasonably be retrained for new work. As workers age, they may have spent decades in one type of job, making it difficult to adjust to a new field. This becomes more significant if the person’s disability limits their ability to perform even lighter work.
Understanding the Grid
The SSA uses “grid” rules to determine whether a person qualifies for disability benefits. The grid is a chart that compares a person’s age, education, past work experience, and physical ability to work. The grid helps decide if someone can be expected to transition to another type of work or if their age and limitations make this unlikely.
For example, if you are over 50 and have a limited education, the SSA may determine that adjusting to a different type of work would be more challenging. If your work history involves physical labor and your medical condition prevents you from doing physical jobs, the grid might work in your favor. However, younger individuals are expected to be more adaptable, and the grid reflects this by setting stricter requirements.
The grid is also adjusted based on the type of disability a person has, as some conditions may limit both physical and sedentary work. The SSA will also look at the length of time you’ve been unable to work to evaluate whether you could realistically return to the workforce. When using the grid, the SSA weighs these combined factors to decide the likelihood of someone being able to do any job available in the current labor market.
We’ll Help You File For SSDI
Obtaining SSDI benefits is challenging, and you may be unaware of how many other factors impact your claim. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us support you. We can help you understand the process and assist with your application.
Pati Law Firm
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