Applying For Social Security Disability After Age 60
If you’re over 60 and can’t work due to a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can help. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has special rules for older adults that make qualifying easier.
Is It Easier To Get SSDI After Age 60?
Yes, it’s often easier to qualify for SSDI after age 60. The SSA uses medical-vocational guidelines or “grid rules,” to decide if you’re disabled. These rules favor older adults because it’s harder to learn new job skills or switch careers as you near retirement.
How Do Grid Rules Help Older Applicants?
Grid rules look at four factors to decide if you qualify for SSDI:
- Age: If you are 60 or older, the SSA considers you to be “closely approaching retirement age,” making it easier to qualify.
- Work capability: The SSA refers to your work capability as your residual functional capacity (RFC). It measures if you can do sedentary (sitting, lifting up to 10 pounds), light (standing, lifting up to 20 pounds) or medium work (lifting up to 50 pounds).
- Education: Less education, like 11th grade or below, increases your chances of approval.
- Work history: If your past jobs were unskilled or your skills don’t transfer to new jobs, you’re more likely to qualify.
For more details, see the SSA’s grid rules.
What Should I Know About SSDI And Retirement Benefits?
Choosing SSDI won’t reduce your retirement benefits. If approved, you get SSDI until your full retirement age (usually 66-67, depending on your birth year). Then, SSDI switches to retirement benefits, but the amount stays the same. However, early retirement at 62 lowers your benefits permanently, so SSDI is often a better choice if you qualify.
Why Choose SSDI Over Early Retirement?
Early retirement reduces your monthly Social Security benefits for life. SSDI, on the other hand, pays the exact amount you’d get at full retirement age. This means more financial support if you can’t work due to a disability. An attorney can help you decide what’s best for you.
How Can An Attorney Help With My SSDI Application?
Applying for SSDI can be tricky, with over 60% of initial applications denied, often due to missing medical records or errors. An attorney can:
- Collect strong medical evidence to prove your disability
- Explain how grid rules apply to your case
- Handle appeals for denied claims
- Address special cases, like mental health issues or chronic pain, that affect your work capability
Attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront costs. They receive payment only if you win, typically up to 25% of your backpay (capped at $6,000).
What Happens To SSDI Benefits At Full Retirement Age?
At full retirement age, your SSDI benefits automatically become retirement benefits. The payment amount doesn’t change, ensuring steady income. This conversion happens without any action on your part.
Continuing Disability Reviews After Age 60
After age 60, the SSA rarely conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) unless your condition improves significantly. This means your benefits are more secure as you approach retirement age.
Contact Us For Help
Don’t navigate SSDI alone. At Harlan Still & Koch, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Send us an email for a free consultation today. Call 1-800-483-1789 to schedule an appointment.