Why Age Matters in Disability Determinations

• The older you are, the easier it may be to qualify
  The SSA uses a medical-vocational grid that considers your age, education, work history, and residual functional capacity (RFC). Generally, older applicants (especially those over 50 or 55) may have a better chance of being approved, because it's assumed they have fewer opportunities to switch careers or retrain for new work.
• Younger applicants must show greater disability impact
  If you’re under 50, the SSA expects you to adjust to less demanding jobs, even if you can’t perform your past work. That means younger individuals often need stronger medical evidence showing that no kind of substantial work is possible.

How Work History Affects Eligibility

• For SSDI: Work credits are required
  To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have earned enough work credits, which are based on how long and how recently you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes. Most people need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, but younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
• SSA examines the type of work you’ve done
  SSA will evaluate your past relevant work—including its demands, skills involved, and physical or mental requirements. Then they determine if your disability prevents you from returning to that kind of work.
• For SSI: Work history is less relevant
  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need, so work history isn’t required. However, your past jobs may still be considered when assessing your ability to do any work in the national economy.

Age + Work History + Disability = Eligibility Decision

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine disability eligibility. Your age and work history come into play primarily in:



• Step 4: Can you do any of your past work?
• Step 5: Can you do any other type of work, given your age, education, and skills?

If the answer to both is “no,” and your condition is severe, you are more likely to be approved.