Does Your Age Impact An SSDI Claim?

Getting approved for SSDI benefits can be an uphill battle for any applicant. But if you’re over 50, you may have a more effortless experience than younger workers. The Social Security Administration (SSA) understands the challenges older workers face when looking for work or gaining new skills, especially if they have a disability. Learn more about how your age can impact your SSDI claim and how to increase your chances of approval.

How Age Can Affect An SSDI Applicant

The SSDI has many ways to qualify someone for SSDI, including:

• Work experience
• Age
• Education level
• How a disability affects your daily life
• Your ability to learn new skills

Most workers will need to have a combination of the above to be eligible for any benefits. However, applicants above 50 could have an easier time thanks to the SSA’s Medical Vocational Guidelines or Grid Rules.

The SSA divides people into four categories based on your age at the time of submitting your application:

• Younger Individual: Anyone between the ages of 18 and 49.
• Individuals Approaching Advanced Age: Anyone between the ages of 50 and 54.
• Advanced Age: Anyone between the ages of 55 and 59.
• Approaching Retirement Age: Anyone between the ages of 60 and 64.

Generally speaking, the older you get, the easier it is to win benefits. This is especially true if you have less formal education or your skills aren’t transferable to any other type of work.

Why Is It Easier For Older Adults To Qualify

Roughly 70% of chronically unemployed individuals are over the age of 50. The SSA understands that older adults need help finding decent work. The organization also considers factors like skills and education. Many older adults with no formal education will have an easier time going on disability because the SSA may think their skill set isn’t enough to transfer into a less physically demanding job. Of those who have some education or training, it may not be enough to transfer to another industry.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Approval

While being older helps improve your chances of getting benefits, you still need to have a strong case that proves you’re unable to work. Here are a few tips to help you build a strong claim:

Highlight Your Skills

Connecting your disability to your inability to work your current job is a crucial part of your claim. Besides this, the SSA will evaluate you to see if you can work in another industry. Be open about your lack of education and explain why you can’t transfer your skills to a new industry.

For example, take a 55-year-old construction worker with no education who sustained a serious back injury. If they don’t have any other transferable skills, there’s a high possibility the SSA will mark them as disabled and approve their claim.

Avoid Application Errors

While correctly filing out your SSDI form seems like a no-brainer, thousands of applicants get rejected each year due to application errors. Remember, the SSA will scrutinize every part of your claim in detail. Even minor inconsistencies or mistakes could lead to them dismissing it. Fill everything out correctly the first time and have your lawyer review everything before submitting it to avoid delays.

Be Consistent With Medical Treatments

Even if you feel like you’re fine, keep up with your doctor’s visits or other medical treatment as long as your provider recommends doing so. If you stop going, the SSA might think your situation has improved or you’re refusing to get the help you need to recover. Either way, inconsistent treatment could trigger red flags and prompt them to reevaluate your case.

Need Help Filing Your Disability Claim?

Filing a disability claim can be time-consuming and complicated when doing it on your own, especially when unsure if you qualify. Our New York social security disability lawyers are here to help you file your claim and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. If you have any questions, please contact us online or at 855-208-9799 for a free case review today.