Worried About Your Age Affecting Your Disability Claim? We Can Help!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will take into account several factors when considering a claimant's application for disability benefits. Of course, a person's physical and mental impairments are often the central focus of the process, however, another factor important consideration our attorneys can help explain to you is how SSA uses your age to help make their determination.

How Social Security Looks At Your Age 

When SSA receives your application your date of birth is noted, and depending on which age bracket you belong to, you will be labeled as one of the following:

  • Young (18-44)
  • Younger (45-49)
  • Approaching advanced age (50-54)
  • Advanced age (55 and over)
  • Approaching retirement age (60-65) 

Older Age Increases Your Chances

Social Security disability benefits can often be easier to obtain for the category of applicants considered to be approaching advanced age (50-54) as well as applicants of advanced age (55 and older).

With this fact in mind, it does not in any way mean that an applicant younger than 50 should feel discouraged. Our knowledgeable and experienced disability attorneys have helped many people under the age of 50 obtain Social Security benefits, so age should never be a reason for you to not apply for disability benefits or appeal a denial.

Ultimately, SSA will combine the applicant's age with a number of other factors to make their decision. Some of the additional factors included in considering an applicant is their:

  • Ability to perform sedentary, light, medium, or heavy weight work
  • Skill set required in previous positions of employment
  • Highest level of education 

In the end, there are several paths to earning your disability benefits, and a number of them, such as mental health impairments and non-exertion impairments, have nothing to do with age.

Under 18 Claim?

Another group that SSA gives special consideration and relies heavily upon age to help define the likelihood of their receiving benefits are applicants who are 18 years of age and under. 

Anyone who is under the age of 18 will have their application examined for a clear indication of severe physical and/or cognitive impairments. A primary reason for this is because applicants 18 and under don't have the work history that is of critical importance to SSA's consideration and approval of others' disability applications. As such a young person's "inability to work or seek employment" is not a central factor.

How Our Disability Attorneys Can Help

Our disability attorneys provide full-service representation to our clients. This means that no matter your age, we have the capability of handling your Social Security disability benefits case from start to finish, including filing the initial application and appealing at the Federal District level, if necessary. 

We offer each of our disability clients a Zero Fee Guarantee. This means that there is never a consultation fee, and the only way our firm receives payment for our legal services is if you receive disability benefits.

You can speak to one of our disability attorneys immediately by calling 1-800-253-5537, or you can write to us by using our free contact form.