Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50

Being disabled can be difficult in many ways. Anyone who struggles with a disability knows that all too well. Certainly, with age, complex health issues can become even more complicated. As a result, those receiving disability benefits or considering applying for them often wonder if the rules and standards might change with age. It’s a reasonable and understandable question to ask. After all, disabled individuals often depend upon their disability benefits for financial support and want to ensure that those benefits will continue. Let’s take a closer look at the types of benefits available and how the requirements to receive those benefits might change with age.

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

Generally, the Social Security Administration provides two types of disability benefits, depending upon the applicant’s circumstances. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

In order to receive either of these types of benefits, an individual must have a qualifying medical disability that renders them unable to work for at least one calendar year or more. To receive SSDI benefits, an individual must be “insured,” meaning that they worked a qualifying job through which a portion of their salary was paid via taxes to the Social Security Administration for a sufficient length of time. To receive SSI benefits, an individual need not be “insured” but must have income and resources below a certain amount established by the Social Security Administration.

Regardless of which type of benefits you might qualify for, the good news is that after age 50, the standards for receiving those benefits are somewhat more relaxed than those for younger individuals.

How Does the SSA Determine Eligibility?

As part of determining whether or not an individual might qualify for disability benefits, regardless of whether the applicant is seeking SSDI or SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration will look at a variety of factors, including

• Age;
• The disabling condition;
• Education level;
• And work history.

As part of evaluating ongoing eligibility for benefits, the Social Security Administration will often look at the type of work that an individual has previously performed in order to get an idea of what kind of work they might be able to do in the future.

In making this assessment, evaluators will often look at whether an individual can adjust to doing other types of work. The Social Security Administration recognizes that it may be more challenging for older individuals to adapt to performing new types of work than it is for younger individuals. This typically includes individuals aged 50 and older.

In order to determine an individual’s “functional capacity,” the Social Security Administration will look at four categories of work and apply what is known as the “grid” rules. These categories of work include:

• Sedentary: This is generally work that does not require a good deal of movement or lifting more than 10 pounds.
• Light: This category of work includes frequently lifting objects 10 pounds or less and occasionally lifting items of no more than 20 pounds.
• Medium: This type of work involves frequent lifting of 25 pounds and occasional lifting of 50 pounds. 
• Heavy: Individuals who work “heavy” jobs frequently lift more than 50 pounds.

For those workers over 50, even if the Social Security Administration determines they may be able to work at some type of functional capacity (light or medium work, for example), they may still be approved for benefits because of their more advanced age. More specifically:

• Workers of ages 50 to 54 may be able to collect benefits even if they can perform sedentary labor;
• Workers of ages 55 to 59 may be eligible for benefits even if they can perform light work; and
• In certain circumstances, individuals of ages 60 to 64 may be able to collect disability benefits even if they can perform medium work.

This is often not the case for younger applicants. For younger disabled individuals, the Social Security Administration is often far stricter in applying the rules and guidelines.

Clearly, it is generally easier to be approved for disability benefits after the age of 50. Nevertheless, it is always essential to seek advice and representation from a knowledgeable and experienced Social Security disability advocate before proceeding with your case. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate your unique circumstances and help you put your best foot forward to fight for the benefits you need. At Keener Law, we are here for you.

Call Keener Law Today

At Keener Law, we understand every aspect of the disability claims process. Regardless of your age or circumstances, you will need a legal team on your side who can pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf as you seek the benefits you need and deserve. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.