What is the SSDI Approval Rate by Age?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program many Americans rely on to make ends meet. This program provides financial assistance to people with disabilities that hinder their ability to work and earn a living. When individuals consider applying for SSDI benefits, they often encounter many questions and concerns, one of the most common being how age influences the approval process.

Although just one of many aspects examined during SSDI evaluations, age is one of the main facets determining eligibility. If you are considering applying for SSDI, read about why age is a main focus, how different age groups may fare in the application process, and the minimum age requirements for applying. Let Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz help you today with your SSDI approval rate by age.

What are the SSDI Eligibility Criteria?

To obtain SSDI benefits, applicants must meet specific criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). First, applicants must present proof that they fall within one of the following categories: Over 65, blind, or disabled. In addition to meeting one of these criteria, applicants must demonstrate limited income and resources and that they are U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals. Aliens falling within specified categories may also qualify.

For disabled applicants below the age of 65, the minimum age requirement is 18. Individuals aged 18 to 65 must provide substantial evidence of their disability to qualify for SSDI, including a specific diagnosis, supporting medical documentation, functional limitations that impact their ability to work, and an expectation that the disability will last 12 continuous months or longer.

Also, applicants over 65 face a distinctive evaluation process. The SSA mandates a thorough review of their medical records, specifically focusing on age-related disabilities that may be pertinent to their case. This recognizes that certain impairments associated with aging can significantly affect an individual’s ability to work or perform daily tasks.

Age Groups and Approval Rates for SSDI Benefits

Analyzing the correlation between age and SSDI approval rates can provide valuable insights for prospective applicants seeking financial assistance due to disability. Recent data reveals distinct trends across various age brackets. It has been shown that disabled applicants over 50 are twice as likely to be approved than those under 50. One study revealed an upward curve in approval rates, with younger applicants being approved at significantly lower rates than seniors. The results of the survey illustrated the following statistics:

Applicants aged 40-49: 42% approval rate

Applicants aged 50-54: 49% approval rate

Applicants aged 55-59: 57% approval rate

Applicants aged 60-65: 62% approval rate

Why Age is Central to the Approval Process?

As individuals age, their capacity to learn and acquire new skills tends to vary significantly due to typical age-related declines in physical and cognitive capacities. The SSA recognizes these factors and acknowledges that older claimants will often face increased difficulties in retraining or transitioning into alternative lines of work.

In general, considering age as a central element in the SSDI approval process ensures that the evaluation of disability claims is nuanced and reflects the unique challenges associated with different stages of life. This approach strives to provide equitable support to individuals pursuing financial assistance through SSDI.

Furthermore, age is a crucial factor in the SSA’s assessment of an individual’s residual functional capacity (RFC), which evaluates their ability to perform tasks despite their disability. Among the SSA’s list of disabling conditions, arthritis is one of the most commonly approved conditions for SSDI benefits. Heart disease, cancer, and stroke – considered severely disabling – receive similarly high approval rates. Each of these conditions is known to disproportionately affect seniors, further contributing to the overall numbers.

Other Factors Affecting Approval Rates

While age is a significant determinant in the SSDI approval process, several other crucial factors come into play. These elements collectively contribute to the comprehensive evaluation of disability claims. Regardless of age, the SSA will consider the following when evaluating your application:

• Work History: To qualify for benefits, one must have worked and contributed to the SSDI program for a specified period. The SSA assesses an applicant’s work history to determine if they have accumulated sufficient work credits to qualify for benefits.
• Compliance with Medical Treatments: Adherence to prescribed treatments, therapies, and medications demonstrates an applicant’s commitment to managing their condition. This can strengthen their case by providing evidence of ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of the disability.
• Consistency and Reliability of Information: The information provided in the application, including medical evidence and personal statements, must be consistent and reliable. Any discrepancies may lead to further scrutiny and potential denial of benefits.
• Lifetime Average Earnings: The SSA reviews a claimant’s average earnings as part of the assessment process. During this phase, a specific formula is used to calculate the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is crucial in determining the benefit amount an individual may be eligible to receive.
• Other Benefits Received: Applicants already receiving other forms of Social Security benefits, such as retirement or survivor’s benefits, may have their SSDI approval rates affected. The SSA employs a “benefit offset” process to prevent individuals from receiving duplicative benefits that exceed certain thresholds.

Younger Applicants Navigating the SSDI Process

For individuals under 40 seeking SSDI benefits, navigating the application process can present unique challenges. The Social Security Administration often assumes that younger individuals may still be able to engage in gainful employment. As you prepare to apply, consider adapting your approach to improve your chances of receiving the benefits you need:

• Address Potential Vocational Rehabilitation: If applicable, discuss your efforts to engage in vocational rehabilitation or retraining programs. This demonstrates your commitment to regaining employment despite the challenges posed by your disability.
• Highlight Long-Term Effects: Emphasize any long-term effects of your disability. Even if the condition initially appeared in your youth, focus on how it has persisted and continues to limit your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
• Emphasize Educational Limitations: If your disability has hindered your educational pursuits or attainment of necessary skills for employment, be sure to highlight this in your application. It demonstrates an additional barrier to securing and maintaining employment.
• Seek Legal or Professional Assistance: Given the potential complexities of the SSDI process for younger applicants, consulting with professionals or seeking legal assistance can be immensely beneficial. Experts in this field can offer guidance specific to your situation and help ensure your application is thorough and compelling. 

SSDI Approval Process and Waiting Periods

On average, the SSDI approval process can take three to five months. In some cases, this timeline may extend up to seven months, depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the case and the volume of applications being processed. While your chances of approval may be affected by your age, the application process and the expected waiting times will not be influenced. For all applicants, navigating the SSDI approval process involves several crucial steps:

• Initial Application: The first step is to complete and submit an application for SSDI benefits. This can be done online through the Social Security Administration’s website or in person at a local SSA office.
• Review by SSA: The SSA will review the application to ensure that it meets the basic eligibility criteria, including age, work credits, and severity of the disability. They will also evaluate whether the applicant’s condition meets the criteria outlined in the SSA’s listing of impairments.
• Request for Additional Information: If necessary, the SSA may request additional information or documentation to support the application. This may include medical records, test results, and statements from healthcare providers.
• Consultative Examinations (CE): In some cases, the SSA may schedule a consultative examination with an independent healthcare professional to further evaluate the applicant’s medical condition and functional limitations.
• Decision on Eligibility: Based on the information provided, the SSA will decide regarding the applicant’s eligibility for SSDI benefits. This decision can result in approval, denial, or a request for further review.

Have questions about getting approved for SSDI or wondering why your benefits were denied? Call an experienced SSDI attorney in Ohio to discuss your case today.

Commencement of SSDI Benefits After Approval

In addition to the application process, there is a second waiting period for applicants of all ages who have been approved. After approval for SSDI, recipients must typically wait five full months from the established onset date of the disability to receive their first payment. This means that benefits will start on the sixth full month after the date that the SSA determines the disability began. For example, if the SSA determines that a disability began on January 1st, benefits would begin in July.  

Get the Clarity You Need for a Successful SSDI Journey

At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we’re dedicated to empowering disabled individuals by helping them explore the spectrum of opportunities available. Our team of experienced professionals understands the difficulties of the SSDI application process and approval rate by age. It can guide you through every step, ensuring your case is presented comprehensively and effectively. Contact us today to discuss your needs and goals in securing your financial future.