Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is a pretty intimidating process for most people. However, you may have an easier time getting your application approved once you hit the “magic age” of 55.
Once a disability applicant hits 55 years of age, there’s a dramatic shift in the SSDI evaluation process. People are twice as likely to receive SSDI benefits at age 50 as they are at age 40, and that’s partly due to the way that their claims are regarded.
The SSDI evaluation process is not a one-size-fits-all method
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a set of guidelines called the “medical-vocational grid” to assess SSDI (and Supplemental Security Income) claims. When deciding what kind of work a person can still do in spite of their disabling condition(s), the grid requires examiners to take into consideration an applicant’s education, training, work experience, residual functional capacity and age.
Generally, those who have reached their 55th birthday are considered to be of “advanced age.” By that, SSA basically acknowledges that it’s much harder for someone of that age to transition to new types of work or learn new job skills.
This assumption works in favor of applicants in that age range and above because the disability evaluation process is often shortened since it requires less vocational consideration, which can be a lengthy process. Further, the SSA is more likely to conclude that even moving into “light” or “sedentary” work could be unrealistic based on the need for retraining
It’s important to note that even those who are nearing their 55th birthday may benefit from this presumption by SSA. If you’re between 50 and 54 years old, SSA is more likely to take a lenient view of your ability to continue working, especially if your prior occupations have largely been physically demanding.
If you’re unable to work, don’t let the SSDI application process overwhelm you. Legal guidance can help you get your application off to a great start.