How Your Age Can Affect a Social Security Disability Appeal
Are you wondering what impact your age may have on your Social Security Disability claim appeal?
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.
In this video, we’re going to discuss the impact of age on Social Security Disability appeals.
1. Social Security Age Categories
The Social Security Administration considers different age categories when evaluating disability claims. These include:
- Younger person – All claimants under age 50 (between 18 and 50)
- Person closely approaching advanced age – Between the ages of 50 and 54
- Person of advanced age – 55 or older
- Person closely approaching retirement age – In certain categories, 60 to 65
2. Greater Flexibility for Older Applicants
Generally, applicants over the age of 50 are more likely to be approved for SSDI benefits than younger individuals, as the rules become more lenient for older applicants. This is often because the Social Security Administration uses a set of rules known as the medical-vocational grid that considers:
- Age
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
- Skill level
- Education
These factors help determine disability status.
3. The Challenges Older Workers Face
The Social Security Administration recognizes that older workers have less time to retrain for new positions and may also face age-related discrimination, making it more difficult for them to adjust to work other than what they have done before.
4. Transferable Skills and Approval Chances
Additionally, for older applicants—typically considered individuals over 50—the Social Security Administration may consider whether their skills are transferable to other types of work. If they’re found to have non-transferable skills, that can also increase the chances of approval.
5. Borderline Age Categories
The Social Security Administration may apply flexibility in cases where an applicant is within a few months of the next age category. This “borderline age” consideration can sometimes result in an applicant being evaluated under the rules for the next higher age category, potentially increasing the chances for an approval.
6. Age is Only One Factor
While age is an important consideration in Social Security Disability claims, it is not the only factor. The Social Security Administration still considers the claimant’s:
- Physical and mental work restrictions
- Education
- Work experience
These are all part of making their final disability determination.
Thanks so much for watching!
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