SSDI Claims For Those Over 50

People under age 50 are only eligible for Social Security benefits if they can prove they are completely disabled and unable to engage in any type of full-time work. People over age 50, however, may be eligible for benefits even if their condition doesn’t satisfy a qualified disability listing because the Social Security Administration (SSA) understands that transitioning to a new type of work may be more difficult for an older worker than a younger worker.

At The Law Center for Social Security Disability in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, I have extensive knowledge of the Social Security Disability system and 30 years of experience handling disability claims for disabled individuals. My name is Gary Jones, and I am a lawyer who provides strong legal counsel to those who want a local, compassionate and knowledgeable attorney on their side.

How To Get SSDI Before You’re 65

When an SSDI applicant doesn’t meet the requirements of a medical impairment listing, the SSA looks to its medical-vocational grids to determine whether a person is disabled. Under the grid rules, the SSA will take into account an applicant’s age, education, vocational skills and residual functional capacity level (RFC).

Older workers — those between the ages of 50 and 65 — are treated more favorably in the “grid.” Even if they might be capable of performing at some functional capacity — sedentary, light, medium or heavy — they may not be required to adjust to a new type of work to qualify for SSDI benefits.

• Workers between the age of 50 and 54 (characterized by the SSA as people “closely approaching advanced age”) could be eligible for benefits even if they are able to perform sedentary labor.
• Workers aged 55-59 (people of “advanced age”) may be able to collect SSDI benefits even if they can engage in light work.
• Workers aged 60-65 (people who are “closely approaching retirement age”) might be eligible for benefits even if they can perform medium work.

Trust Me To Pursue Your Claim

Even if your disability is not enough by itself to get your disability claim approved, your age — in conjunction with your education and work history — can work to your advantage in getting the SSDI benefits you need.

Contact me at The Law Center for Social Security Disability to find out whether you’re eligible to get Social Security benefits before you reach retirement age. Call 405-896-8852 or email me online to schedule a free initial consultation.