Social Security disability rules change at age 50, making it somewhat easier to get benefits.
Starting at age 50, it is possible to get a Medical-Vocational Allowance. Social Security uses published "grid rules" that consider age, education, past work experience and residual functional capacity to determine if you qualify for disability benefits.
This means that a 50 year-old individual might be approved, while a younger individual with the same education, past work record and medical condition would be denied.
Starting at 50, claimants fall into a new age category known as "closely approaching advanced age." The rules are more lax than they are for "younger individuals" (below 50).
Starting at age 55, claimants change age categories again, this time landing in the "advanced age" category. And, you guessed it, the rules get even easier at 55.
Social Security recognizes that individuals lose their ability to adapt to new types of work as they age. Even if a 30 year-old claimant cannot perform past work, he may not be disabled because there is other (easier) work that he could do. However, a 55 year-old individual would not be expected to make the change to different types of work and could be found disabled.
Disability approval is certainly not automatic at age 50 or 55. But your odds do improve quite a bit after age 50.
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Charles W. Forsythe
The Forsythe Firm
7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108
"Across from Bridge Street"
Huntsville, AL 35806
PHONE (256) 799-0297
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