Are you between the ages of 55 and 59 and wondering whether the grid rules might apply to your Social Security disability case?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
If you’re between the ages of 55 and 59 and are unable to work due to physical and/or mental impairments, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, either SSDI and/or SSI. To determine your eligibility, the Social Security Administration may use a set of rules colloquially known as the “disability grid rules.” The disability grid rules consider your age, education, and work experience to determine whether you’re able to adjust to other work.
There are two main factors that Social Security considers when using the disability grid rules: your residual functional capacity (RFC) and your age category. Your residual functional capacity is what the agency believes you retain the ability to do despite your medical limitations. Social Security will often evaluate your RFC to help determine whether you’re able to perform any type of work.
Let’s talk about the age category. As a person between the ages of 55 and 59 years old, you fall into what is known as the “advanced age category.” This means that Social Security recognizes that you may have a harder time adjusting to different work because of your age.
It’s important to note that the disability grid rules are just one of the ways in which the Social Security Administration determines eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration may also consider other factors when determining your eligibility.
In sum, if you are between the ages of 55 and 59 years old and you’re unable to work due to a mental or physical impairment, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration may use their grid rules to determine your eligibility, taking into account your residual functional capacity, your age, your past experience, and your education level.
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