While Americans are living longer than ever, getting older makes certain injuries or illnesses more severe. An injury or illness that might not sideline someone in their 20s or 30s can be devastating for someone 50 or older. That’s why the Social Security Administration (SSA) gives additional consideration to those 50 and older who apply for disability benefits.
Why Age Matters: SSDI for Individuals Over 50
When you’re over 50, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your age as a significant factor in your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims application. The SSA recognizes that older individuals may have a harder time adapting to new types of work, especially if they have limited job skills or physical limitations.
This means that if you’re 50 or older, you may not have to prove as much as younger applicants when it comes to showing your inability to work in other fields. Instead, the SSA uses special guidelines, called “grid rules,” to evaluate your case, giving extra consideration to factors like your age, past work experience, and current physical limitations. This approach often makes it easier for those over 50 to qualify for benefits.
The Grid Rules: What Are They and How Do They Work?
The Medical-Vocational Guidelines, or “grid rules,” are the criteria the SSA uses to help determine whether individuals qualify for disability benefits based on factors like age, education, work experience, and physical limitations. For applicants over 50, these rules recognize the unique challenges older workers face in adapting to new types of employment, which can improve the chances of qualifying for SSDI benefits.
The grid rules divide applicants into age categories:
- “Closely Approaching Advanced Age” (ages 50-54)
- “Advanced Age” (ages 55-59)
- “Closely Approaching Retirement Age” (60 and older)
Each category reflects the SSA’s understanding that as people age, their ability to transition to different jobs or acquire new skills diminishes, especially if they have physical limitations or a limited educational background. For example, an applicant aged 55 with limited education and a physical impairment that restricts them to sedentary work might qualify for SSDI even if younger individuals with similar conditions would not.
Medical Eligibility for SSDI After 50
The medical criteria for Social Security disability applicants who are age 50 are broadly the same as for younger applicants. According to the SSA, the general requirements to receive Social Security disability benefits are:
- Your disability has already lasted a year, is expected to last for at least a year, or is expected to be fatal.
- You cannot do “substantial gainful activity” because of your disability (the substantial gainful activity dollar cutoff changes slightly each year due to inflation and other factors).
- You cannot do a prior job or find other work due to your disability.
For applicants 50 or older, the SSA offers a little more leeway because officials recognize the challenges of finding and adjusting to new work as people get older, particularly for someone with a severe illness or injury. So, applicants ages 50-54 could qualify for benefits even if they can perform a desk job or other sedentary work. Similarly, applicants ages 55-59 can sometimes collect SSDI benefits even if they can do light work. Finally, applicants ages 60-65 sometimes qualify for SSDI benefits even when they can do medium work.
The key to demonstrating you meet the medical criteria for SSDI benefits is thorough documentation of your condition from your doctor and other healthcare providers. Our SSDI attorneys can help you gather this evidence to show why you qualify for disability benefits.
Work History and Vocational Factors for Applicants Over 50
Your previous work experience, including the type of work, skill level, and whether the job was physically demanding, can significantly impact your application for Social Security disability benefits. For instance, if you spent years in physically demanding jobs or positions with specific skill requirements, the SSA may recognize that transitioning to new work could be challenging due to age and health limitations. Additionally, the SSA considers your education level.
The SSDI Application Process for Older Workers
The basic steps in an SSDI application for older workers are:
- Check Your Eligibility Requirements – Before applying for SSDI benefits, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. You need sufficient work credits from paying Social Security taxes, and it’s a good idea to see if you have a qualifying medical condition. (You can still apply for benefits even if your disability isn’t on the SSA’s list.)
- Gather Evidence – Collect your medical records, job history documentation, and other evidence to include with your claim. The more thorough your evidence, the more likely the SSA will approve your application.
- Submit the Application – You can submit your SSDI application online, at a local Social Security office, or over the phone. We recommend getting help from a lawyer with your application so they can help you avoid common errors.
- Initial Review – Once you submit your application, the SSA will review it to see that you meet the basic eligibility requirement for disability benefits. If your application passes the initial review, the SSA will send it to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office for further review.
- DDS Evaluation – Next, DDS will review the evidence you submitted with your application. They may request additional documentation or have you undergo a medical exam while they evaluate your application.
- DDS Decision – If DDS approves your application, you’ll start receiving disability benefits. If not, you can appeal your claim through several layers of judges and courts.
Common Challenges in SSDI Claims for Older Workers
One major challenge in applying for SSDI over 50 is getting enough medical documentation to prove you’re disabled. Without thorough records from your healthcare providers, you can’t show that your condition prevents you from earning a living, and the SSA will likely reject your application.
Clerical errors also derail many SSDI claims applications. There are complicated forms you must submit as part of your application, and any mistake could lead the SSA to deny your claim. Getting professional legal help can help you avoid these common mistakes and make it easier to get the benefits you need.
Contact Our Oklahoma SSDI Attorneys to Learn More
Do you have a disability that keeps you from working? The Oklahoma City SSDI lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can help you with your application and handle any necessary appeals. Call us today or reach out online for a free case evaluation and learn more about applying for SSDI over 50.
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