Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50 in Los Angeles

How Does Age Impact Social Security Applications in California?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) categorizes applicants into different age groups when evaluating claims for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

As individuals advance in age, the SSA acknowledges that transitioning into new employment sectors can be increasingly challenging due to physical limitations or less adaptable skill sets. Hence, an applicant’s age often becomes an influential factor in the evaluation process, especially for those approaching retirement.

After age 50, a special set of rules known as the “Grid Rules” apply. These rules can potentially make it easier for older adults to claim their rightful benefits.

Grid Rules Explained

The Grid Rules are special guidelines set by the SSA that consider a combination of factors, including age, education level, work history, and physical functional capacity. These factors are assessed to determine the eligibility of SSDI claimants aged 50 and older.

The Grid Rules acknowledge that as people age, adjusting to other types of work can be difficult. As such, these rules — which may involve differentiating between sedentary labor and light work, among other vocational factors — come into play to facilitate the disability claim process for older adults.

What Are the Age Categories in Social Security Disability Claims?

In assessing Social Security Disability Insurance claims, the SSA divides claimants into specific age groups. Each group is viewed differently based on the presumption of how advancing age can affect a person’s ability to adapt to new work.

Age 50–54

Individuals in this group are characterized as “closely approaching advanced age.” The Grid Rules start becoming advantageous for claimants in this category, as it’s acknowledged that they may have trouble starting new jobs.

Age 55–59

The claimants in this age range are considered to have reached “advanced age.” The SSA recognizes that people in this category often face considerable hardship when switching to new employment sectors due to physical and skill-related restrictions.

60 and Over

Individuals in this group have officially reached retirement age and are therefore given the greatest leniency under the grid rules. At this stage, the SSA understands that it’s highly difficult to adapt to new types of work. Consequently, making disability claims can be more straightforward.

People in this age group are nearing the age where they’re eligible to claim full Social Security retirement benefits, which is currently set at 67.

What Is Residual Functional Capacity?

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is a metric the Social Security Administration uses to assess the type and amount of work a claimant can perform despite their physical and mental limitations. It’s one of the key factors considered when evaluating a Social Security Disability claim.

Residual Functional Capacity has five unofficial classifications, each relating to the physical demands of different types of work:

Sedentary

This classification denotes the smallest degree of physical ability. It typically includes jobs that mainly involve sitting and allow for occasional lifting of no more than 10 pounds.

Light

This category includes work that requires frequent lifting of items up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. It might also involve standing or walking for up to six hours in an eight-hour workday.

Medium

In this group, a claimant is deemed able to carry out work that involves lifting items up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds on occasion.

Heavy

The penultimate classification of exertion includes work that involves lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally.

Very Heavy

The final category is reserved for individuals who can lift objects weighing more than 100 pounds occasionally and must lift and carry 50 pounds or more frequently.

Understanding your RFC in the context of SSDI is crucial for determining the types of work you may still be capable of performing.

How a Los Angeles SSDI Lawyer Can Help You File for Disability Benefits If You’re Over 50

As part of a leading law firm that frequently handles Social Security Disability Insurance claims, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help clients grasp the specific Social Security rules that apply to their situations.

Here are some notable facts and distinctions about the legal professionals at Kenton Koszdin Law Office:

• Our primary focus is on Social Security Disability Insurance cases — when you work with us, you’ll always have the legal support you need.
• We have an impressive track record of helping people over 50 successfully file their SSDI claims.
• Our team provides comprehensive education and support regarding how the Social Security Administration evaluates applications.
• We stand firmly on the belief that your age shouldn’t keep you from receiving the Social Security Disability benefits you need.

Schedule a free consultation today and take your first step toward financial security and peace of mind.