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A common belief in the disability world is that age is the ultimate deciding factor: if you're over 50, approval is automatic, and if you're under 50, it's impossible. Attorney Josh and Jeremy Worley clarifies that this is only partially true. While age is a significant factor in a Social Security Disability claim, it is not a simple on/off switch. The SSA considers age alongside your education, work experience, and medical limitations to determine if you can adjust to other work.
It is generally easier for an older individual (e.g., 60) to get approved than a younger one (e.g., 40) with identical limitations because the agency recognizes it's harder to learn new skills or change careers later in life. There are important benchmarks at ages 50 and 55 where the medical-vocational rules become slightly more favorable. However, being young does not make approval impossible, and being over 50 does not guarantee it. Strong medical evidence is always required, and younger applicants must often present a more compelling case to prove they cannot adjust to any other type of work.
Myth Verdict
Partially True. Being over age 50 (and especially 55) can make it easier to get approved, but it is never automatic. Being under 50 does not make it impossible, but it typically requires stronger medical evidence to prove you cannot adjust to other work.
Key Insights
- Age is a factor, not a guarantee: The SSA considers age within a framework that includes education and work history.
- Benchmarks matter: Turning 50 and 55 are significant milestones in the SSA’s medical-vocational guidelines, making approval somewhat easier.
- Youth requires stronger evidence: Younger claimants must more conclusively prove they cannot adjust to any other type of work.
- No penalty for past denials: A previous denial has no negative impact on a new or ongoing claim.
- Never give up: Regardless of age, persistence through the appeals process is key to success.
