WHY AGE MATTERS IN SSDI DISABILITY

Why does Social Security consider the claimant's age in disability cases?

Because the Social Security Act requires that age be considered.

And because the "grid rules" or Medical-Vocational Guidelines are based on age.

The 3 age categories at Social Security are:

• Under Age 50 "Younger Individuals"

• Ages 50-54 "Closely Approaching Advanced Age"

• Ages 55 and over "Advanced Age"

Social Security rules assume that older individuals have more difficulty switching to other jobs or careers. For example, a 40 year old person might become unable to perform the job of welder due to the physical demands. But this same person might be able to switch to an easier job, such as sales associate and be able to keep working. Younger claimants are required to be unable to perform "any work" on a full-time basis, not just the work they are accustomed to doing.

However, if an individual is 60 years old and become unable to keep a job as a welder, the rules do not require him to consider new, easier work. He may be found disabled just because he isn't able to continue working at the present job.

Obviously, claimants age 55 and over have an easier path to SSDI approval. Claimants under age 50 have the most difficult burden.

Of course, many factors are considered besides age: education, past work experience, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This term means "the most a person is able to do in terms of work-related functions, despite his or her impairments."

Your attorney or disability advocate can help guide you through the rather technical and complex rules for Social Security disability. If there is a path to obtain SSDI benefits, your legal representative is trained to find it.