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Is Age a Factor in Whether Your Social Security Disability Claim Gets Approved?
Your age is a key factor the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers when evaluating your Social Security disability (SSD) claim. There are a number of magic ages where it becomes “easier” to win (usually given as 50, 55 and 60 because age is an essential element in your ability to transition into other work at Step 5 of the 5 Step sequential evaluation test used by SSA.
Understanding how the Social Security Administration considers age and how this factor fits into the overall process of qualifying for Social Security disability can help you anticipate any potential issues and develop a stronger claim. Working with the team at The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey can help you navigate this process and increase your chances of approval.
Why Age Is a Factor in Your Claim
Age is one of the primary factors the Social Security Administration uses to evaluate Social Security disability claims, but it’s not for the reason many people think. You don’t have to be a certain age to be considered disabled. You can be approved as long as you are over 18 and meet the necessary work history and medical condition qualifications. However, the Social Security Administration considers age a vocational factor related to your work ability. This is outlined in the medical-vocational guidelines for SSD, which are commonly referred to as the “grid rules.”
The Social Security Administration considers age when evaluating disability applications because, in general, it expects younger people to be more adaptable when it comes to other types of work. For example, if you’re only in your 20s when you experience a medical condition that keeps you from working a physical labor job, the SSA may deny your disability claim, expecting you to be able to change industries or roles to a less physically demanding job. Someone who is in their 50s and has been working in a warehouse for 30 years may not have the same adaptability when it comes to retraining for another role.
Social Security Disability Age Categories
The Social Security Administration uses age categories to help classify applicants by chronological age when determining how this factor impacts their ability to work.
- Younger Person (18-49): In most cases, the Social Security Administration doesn’t consider that someone’s age in this category seriously affects their adaptability to other work. The closer you are to the upper range of this category, the more it may be factored in
- Person Closely Approaching Advanced Age (50-54): If you’re in this category, you have a higher likelihood of having your disability claim approved if you also have a medical condition that results in a severe impairment
- Person of Advanced Age (55+): At this point, the SSA considers your age as significantly affecting your ability to adjust to other work roles. Those over the age of 60 get special consideration in this matter
Remember that age is not the only factor that determines if you are able to retrain in another role. Your education, work history, and transferable skills also play roles.
Other Elements That Influence Disability Approval
While age is a factor in determining your ability to work and, therefore, your disability status, it’s only one factor. The Social Security Administration follows a specific process to evaluate every applicant for Social Security Disability.
- Determining if the person is working above the Substantial Gainful Activity level. This is determined by looking at income level, and the minimum income changes each year. The person must make less than the SGA to be found disabled.
- Considering the severity of the medical condition. The person’s impairment must be severe enough to keep them from performing basic work activities, and it must be expected to last at least 12 months or to result in the person passing away
- Evaluating if the person can do any of their past relevant work. If not, the SSA will also determine if the individual can make any adjustments to be able to do other work
While this may seem like a simple process, it’s actually a complex decision that can take several months and requires multiple determinations, such as applying the grid rules and determining factors such as exertion levels.
How Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help
When you submit your application for Social Security disability, it’s critical to present the strongest case possible, and that’s where an attorney comes in. SSD lawyers understand how the SSA applies the rules to claims cases and know what to include in your claim to document your medical condition and how you meet the work credit requirements.
It’s also essential to understand that most Social Security disability claims are initially denied. While working with an attorney can help improve your chances, their experience and knowledge become even more valuable if you have to go through the appeals process. An attorney can help you determine why your claim was denied and what your options are to have the claim reevaluated and ensure everything is submitted by the deadlines.
An experienced disability attorney can help you present all of the various factors, from your age and medical condition to your education and transferable skills, in a way that increases your chances of approval. At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, our team has extensive experience helping clients in St. Petersburg and the surrounding area successfully apply for Social Security disability and navigate potential obstacles, such as an initial denial. Call our office at 727-477-3263 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
