When someone applies for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, one of the most important factors the government looks at is age. Age can strongly affect whether a person is approved or denied for disability benefits. This is because the Social Security Administration (SSA) believes that as people get older, it becomes harder for them to adjust to new types of work.
For example, a younger person someone in their 30s is often expected to learn new skills or find a different kind of job, even if their health keeps them from doing the work they used to do. The SSA assumes younger workers can adapt more easily. Because of that, it can be harder for them to get approved for disability unless their condition is very serious and limits almost all types of work.
On the other hand, someone who is older, especially over age 50 or 55, has a better chance of being approved. SSA understands that older workers may have fewer job opportunities and might struggle to retrain for new kinds of work. There are even special “grid rules” that the SSA uses to decide if someone’s age, education, and work history make it unrealistic for them to find other work.
In short, age matters because it affects a person’s ability to adapt. The older a person is, the more SSA recognizes that changing careers or learning new skills can be difficult, especially with a medical condition. That’s why age can play a big role in whether someone qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits.