Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are essential for people with disabilities that prevent them from gainful employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) bases your eligibility for SSDI benefits on your medical condition, work history and if you meet the definition of “disabled.” However, age is another critical factor in determining the outcome of your application.
Understanding how the SSA categorizes age groups can help you better understand your eligibility for benefits.
SSA grid rules
The SSA uses a grid that looks at the interaction between age, educational background, work experience and residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if you are able to return to work or adjust to other forms of employment. The older a person is, the more difficult it becomes to switch to a new type of work or adapt to significant physical or mental changes.
The SSA has several age categories:
- Ages 18-49 are considered “younger individuals” and more adaptable to changes in the workforce. Since this age group has greater job flexibility and the ability to learn new skills, even with a disability, applicants would need strong evidence of the inability to work to qualify for SSDI.
- “Closely approaching advanced age” is the category for people ages 50 to 54. The SSA recognizes that this age group may have more difficulty transitioning to a new occupation.
- Individuals who are 55 or over are at an “advanced age” and may have challenges learning new skills. Having a job with physical demands may not be realistic for them.
- Once someone is in the 60 to 64 range, the SSA assumes that the person is “closely approaching retirement age”.
When people reach their “full retirement age” as determined by the SSA, they are automatically moved from SSDI to Social Security retirement benefits.
No matter how old you are, it’s crucial that you have thorough documentation of your medical condition that details how your disability affects you. The application process is complex, and having experienced legal guidance can help you interpret the rules and increase your chances of having your application approved.