When applying for Social Security Disability in the US, many factors influence whether or not your claim is approved. One of the most significant—and sometimes overlooked—factors is your age. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that as people grow older, their ability to transition into new jobs or adjust to physically demanding work can diminish. For this reason, age plays an important role in the evaluation of Social Security Disability claims.
Walker Firm, operating under the client-facing brand Casa de la Justicia, helps Spanish-speaking clients with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. Based in Los Angeles, CA, and founded in 2022, we maintain a remarkable over 70% hearing win rate, surpassing the national average of 55%. With our robust media strategy, we attract over 2,000 clients annually. In addition, we partner with other local attorneys to ensure the thousands of injured Latinos that call us daily have access to experienced Spanish-speaking attorneys for all their needs, including worker’s compensation, auto accidents and slip and fall cases. For expert SSDI support and broader legal services, we are your go-to resource.
In this article, we’ll explore how age influences SSDI eligibility, the “grid rules” the SSA uses to make decisions, and how older workers may have an advantage in securing benefits.
Understanding the SSA’s Approach to Age
The SSA groups applicants into several age categories when assessing disability claims. Each of these groups is evaluated differently, recognizing that older workers generally have more difficulty adapting to new types of work or retraining for different careers. These age categories include:
- Younger individuals (18-49 years old): This group is considered the most adaptable and capable of retraining for new work. Applicants in this category may face more stringent evaluations, as the assumes they are more likely to find alternative employment.
- Closely approaching advanced age (50-54 years old): The SSA views individuals in this category as less likely to be able to transition into new work, particularly if they have limited education or job skills. However, applicants in this group may still be expected to perform some types of sedentary work.
- Advanced age (55-59 years old): The SSA acknowledges that individuals in this age bracket may find it much harder to adjust to new work, particularly if they have worked in physically demanding jobs for much of their lives.
- Closely approaching retirement age (60 and older): Individuals in this group are considered the least likely to retrain for new jobs, and the SSA typically evaluates their disability claims more favorably.
These age brackets influence the SSA’s decision-making process when determining if an individual is capable of finding other types of work.
The Grid Rules and Age
The SSA uses a framework known as the “grid rules” to evaluate disability claims, especially when applicants do not meet the criteria for an automatic disability listing based on medical conditions alone. The grid rules consider several factors, including:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Transferable skills
These rules are particularly important for individuals who are applying for SSDI based on physical limitations but do not have conditions that automatically qualify them for benefits. Essentially, the grid rules evaluate whether, given the individual’s age, education, and experience, they can realistically be expected to transition into another type of work.
Here’s how age affects the evaluation:
- Younger individuals (under 50 years): The grid rules generally favor denying disability claims for this age group, especially if the individual has a higher education level or work experience that could translate into another field. The SSA expects younger applicants to adjust to different, less demanding jobs, even if they are unable to return to their previous work.
- Individuals aged 50-54: The grid rules become more favorable for those aged 50 and older. While individuals in this age range may still be expected to perform sedentary work, the SSA is more likely to approve claims if the applicant has a limited education or lacks transferable skills. If the individual has worked in physically demanding jobs and is unable to perform sedentary work, their claim has a higher chance of being approved.
- Individuals aged 55 and older: For those aged 55-59, the SSA applies the grid rules in a way that is significantly more favorable to the applicant. If an individual in this group is unable to perform the physical demands of their previous work and does not have transferable skills for less demanding jobs, their claim may be approved even if they can still perform some types of sedentary work. The SSA recognizes that retraining for a new career at this age is often impractical.
- Individuals aged 60 and older: This group receives the most favorable treatment under the grid rules. The SSA acknowledges that it is highly unlikely for individuals in this age bracket to find new employment, especially in physically demanding roles. As such, disability claims from this group are often approved if the applicant can no longer perform their past work.
Why Older Workers Have an Advantage
One of the key reasons older workers may have an advantage when applying for SSDI is the recognition of the difficulty in retraining or adapting to new forms of work later in life. Workers who have spent decades in physically demanding roles, such as construction, manufacturing, or transportation, often find it challenging or impossible to transition into sedentary or office-based work as they age.
Moreover, many older workers may have a history of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or back problems, that worsen over time. These conditions may not be severe enough to qualify for SSDI when a person is younger but can become disabling as the individual ages. The cumulative toll of these conditions, combined with the natural physical decline associated with aging, often creates a compelling case for disability benefits.
Medical-Vocational Allowances and Age
Even if an older individual does not meet the strict criteria for a listed medical condition, they may still qualify for SSDI under a medical-vocational allowance. This occurs when the SSA evaluates the combination of age, physical limitations, and work history and concludes that the individual cannot reasonably be expected to engage in substantial gainful activity.
For older applicants, especially those over 55, the medical-vocational allowance can be a crucial pathway to securing SSDI benefits. The SSA will consider how age, in combination with other factors, reduces the likelihood of re-entering the workforce, even in less demanding jobs.
Age is a critical factor in the Social Security Disability evaluation process. As individuals age, the SSA becomes more likely to approve disability claims, particularly for those who have worked in physically demanding jobs and lack the education or skills to transition into other forms of work. The grid rules provide a structured way for the SSA to assess whether an individual’s age, in combination with their medical condition, education, and work history, makes them eligible for benefits.
For older applicants, understanding how age impacts the SSDI process can significantly increase the chances of securing benefits. As workers approach their 50s and beyond, the SSA recognizes the challenges they face in returning to work, making age a valuable consideration in disability claims.