File for SSDI: Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50

Many Americans will experience a disability at some point in their lives, particularly as they reach an older age. This can make it difficult to handle the demands of a job. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps eligible individuals meet their financial needs.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), about 69 million Americans receive Social Security benefits totaling $1.6 trillion. Of those, 7.2 million disabled workers receive $11.4 billion through SSDI, with an average monthly benefit of $1,581. Obtaining approval can be challenging, and navigating the filing process is often complex.

Learn about the programs offered by the Social Security Administration, how age affects your disability application, and how a Virginia Social Security disability lawyer can assist you. Contact our experienced attorneys at Montagna Law at 757-622-8100 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Social Security Disability?

In the United States, there are two types of Social Security disability benefits: SSI and SSDI. In some situations, you may apply for one or the other, but in certain cases, you might be eligible for both. Age is an important factor when filing for disability, especially for applicants over 50.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI benefits provide minimum basic financial assistance for older workers and individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Approved recipients receive monthly benefits.

As of 2025, the amount is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. However, receiving Social Security retirement benefits or other income can reduce your SSI amount. Owning other assets, such as bank accounts, also affects eligibility.

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)

SSDI works differently from SSI. This program supports people with a qualifying work history who have become disabled. You can think of SSDI as an insurance policy: if you cannot perform your job, you may apply for benefits.

To determine your benefit amount, the government reviews your average lifetime earnings. Your assets are not considered in the same way as they are for SSI.

Montagna Laws’ Commitment to Excellence

Experience, skill, and dedication make us a trusted legal resource for those seeking help with Social Security Disability rules after age 50 years. Our attorneys provide clear, actionable advice to help you navigate the process. We bring peace of mind by answering your questions, making time for you, and serving as your reliable advocates.

What Our Clients Say About Our SSDI Lawyers

“These attorneys take the stress out of a situation when you hire them. I’m very pleased so far. Thank you!!” — Angela C.

“Montana Law firm has restored my trust in lawyers. Each time I entered the office,I was greated pleasantly with a smile and hello. It makes you return a smile. Mr Montagna made me fell confident as a client. He asked questions and answered to my understanding. I’m satisfied with the results. I would recommend this firm to family and friends.” — Jacquelyn W.

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Can I Receive Both SSI and SSDI?

Yes. If you are eligible, you can receive monthly income from both SSI and SSDI. The Social Security Administration calls this “concurrent benefits,” which allow you to receive support from both programs at the same time.

How Does the Social Security Administration Evaluate Social Security Disability Applications?

To determine eligibility and issue monthly benefits, the Social Security Administration uses an evaluation process with several steps. These steps help decide whether a person’s medical condition qualifies as a disability.

Work Activity

Evaluating work activity can be complex, and the SSA considers several factors. For claimants over age 50, the process often requires fewer adjustments and does not emphasize retraining for new types of work.

Social Security disability rules include assessing the level of work you can perform. For example, the SSA will determine if your condition allows you to do:

• Light work: Lift 10 to 20 pounds
• Medium work: Routinely lift 25 pounds
• Heavy work: Lift more than 50 pounds

These categories also consider your ability to sit, stand, and perform physical activity for set periods. Speaking with a Virginia Social Security disability attorney can help you collect the right documentation and present your case effectively.

Condition Severity

To qualify for benefits, the SSA considers how severe your medical condition is. If you have a mental or physical impairment expected to last at least a year or result in death, your application has a stronger chance of advancing. However, the condition must limit your ability to perform essential work activities, such as sitting, standing, and walking.

Impairment Listing

The SSA maintains a list of specific physical and mental impairments considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI. If you have one of these impairments that prevents you from working, your claim has a higher chance of being approved. If not, an SSA examiner will move your claim to the next step in the process.

Ability to Engage in Past Relevant Work

At this step, the SSA reviews your residual functional capacity (RFC) to see if you can perform full-time work. They also consider any limitations on your ability to work. If your RFC shows you can do your previous work, your claim will be denied. If not, your case moves to the final step.

Ability to Engage in Other Work

In the final step, the SSA evaluates jobs in the U.S. economy to determine if there are other positions you could perform. They consider your age, medical condition, education level, and work experience. If you can make adjustments to work successfully, your claim will be denied. If not, you may be approved.

How Does Age Impact Social Security Applications in Virginia?

Age is a significant factor in determining eligibility for SSDI benefits. Individuals aged 50 and over face a lower qualification threshold, which decreases further for those aged 55–59 and even more for those aged 60 and above.

This is because, as you get older, it becomes harder to transfer existing skills to a new occupation while managing a medical condition that limits your ability to work.

What Is a Continuing Disability Review?

A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is a periodic check by the SSA to see if a disability beneficiary still meets the medical criteria. The SSA reviews medical evidence and other information to decide whether benefits should continue, be suspended, or end.

How Do Continuing Disability Reviews Change After Age 50 and Above?

After age 50, the SSA often assigns “medical improvement not expected” review cycles more frequently, which typically means reviews every 5 to 7 years. However, the exact timing still depends on how likely medical improvement is judged to be. This reflects the SSA’s recognition that, as people age, it becomes harder to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

How Medical-Vocational Guidelines Aid Eligibility

Medical-Vocational Guidelines, often called Grid Rules, are specific criteria the SSA uses to determine if someone meets SSDI requirements. This structured framework evaluates claims when a medical condition does not match the SSA Blue Book’s listed impairments.

If you have a disability that does not meet Blue Book guidelines but still prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), the Grid Rules help the SSA show that you are disabled and unable to work.

How Age Factors into SSDI Grid Rules

Age is an important factor in the Grid Rules. Once you reach age 50, the Grid accounts for your advancing age. As you get older, it often becomes harder to return to work or transition to new types of employment.

What Are the Age Categories in Disability Claims?

The SSA divides applicants into age groups that reflect different expectations for adapting to new work:

• Younger individuals (18–49): Generally expected to adjust to new work environments.
• Closely approaching advanced age (50–54): May have more difficulty transitioning to different jobs.
• Advanced age (55–59): Less likely to be able to transition to new work.
• Closely approaching retirement age (60+): Least expected to adapt to new types of work.

What Are the Other Qualifying Factors?

Age is not the only factor the Grid Rules consider when determining eligibility for disability. Other important factors include your education level, transferable skills, and past work experience. Your residual functional capacity (RFC), which measures your ability to perform work-related tasks with impairments, is also considered.

Rules for Filing for Social Security Disability After Age 50

After you reach age 50, there are three different standards under SSD rules. Here, we explain how these special rules change at each stage.

Between the Ages of 50 and 54

Individuals aged 50 to 54 who are disabled and cannot perform work involving physical activity have a higher chance of being approved for benefits. The SSA considers this group as approaching advanced age and recognizes they are more likely to have difficulty adjusting to new work.

Between the Ages of 55 and 59

Once you reach the ages of 55 to 59, the SSA considers you to be of advanced age. If you have a disability that affects your ability to work, the SSA reviews your age, past work experience, education level, and ability to perform less-demanding jobs. At this stage, approval is more likely because it is harder to adjust to new types of work.

Over Age 60

Claimants aged 60 and over with disabilities are more likely to receive SSDI if they can no longer work. At this age, the SSA’s disability determination process generally increases the chance of qualifying for benefits, which will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits once you reach your full retirement age (currently between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year).

SSDI Eligibility for Applicants Near Age Thresholds

Individuals under age 50 are not excluded from receiving benefits, but it is more difficult to qualify. While chances improve significantly at age 55, being in a younger category does not mean you are automatically disqualified.

In some cases, applicants who are close to a new age category (for example, 49 or 54) may be classified into the older age range, especially if they are within six months of reaching it. An administrative law judge has discretion when deciding claims at a borderline age.

What Should I Do if My Social Security Disability Application Is Denied?

Social Security Disability application rejections are common. According to the SSA, 67% of applications were denied between 2010 and 2019.

You have the right to appeal if you act within 60 days. Filing a new claim is usually not ideal and often leads to the same result. Instead, go through the appeals process to reach the hearing level, where approval rates are higher. A reconsideration typically takes four to 12 weeks, while a new application can take six months or more to process.

When appealing, review the reasons for denial carefully. For help, consider working with our experienced Virginia disability benefits attorneys to strengthen your case.

How to Improve Your Chances of SSDI Approval After Age 50

The SSA often reviews applications from individuals over age 50 more favorably. However, there are steps you can take to strengthen your application:

• Show that you cannot perform any work, not just your previous job.
• Provide thorough, up-to-date medical records showing severity and limitations.
• Emphasize limited transferable job skills to support your claim.
• Document limited education relevant to current positions.
• Explain how your disability affects daily activities and work tasks.
• Consider hiring our disability lawyers for help with your application.
• Be patient and respond promptly to all SSA requests during the application process.

How Can a Virginia Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?

Working with a Virginia Social Security Disability lawyer offers important advantages because the process is complex and requires close attention to detail. Applying for benefits can feel overwhelming, and it is easy to miss critical steps.

At Montagna Law, we guide our clients through this complex process and make sure all requirements are met. Our attorneys know what to include in an application and what to add to strengthen an appeal if a claim is denied.

Once we assemble your documentation, we submit and track your application. We have access to Electronic Record Express (ERE), an online platform that lets us review your Social Security file’s status, see the assigned analyst, determine if more information is needed, and upload documents with confirmed filing. (This database is only available to representatives.)

If your claim is denied, our attorneys will handle and argue the appeal for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Can I Receive From Social Security Benefits in Virginia?

The amount you receive varies. While the maximum under SSDI rules is $4,018 per month, most people receive less. In Virginia, the average benefit in 2024 was $1,748.

The formula for calculating SSDI payments depends on several factors. Our experienced Virginia SSDI attorneys can explain the process and help you understand the amount you might receive.

At What Age Are You No Longer Eligible for Social Security Disability?

You remain eligible for SSDI until you reach full retirement age (FRA). This age is gradually increasing based on your birth year. For those born in 1959, it is 66 years and 10 months. At FRA, your disability benefits convert to retirement benefits, with the amount staying the same and including Medicare eligibility.

If I Meet a Blue Book Listing, Does My Age Matter for SSDI Purposes?

If you meet the Blue Book requirements for your impairment, age is not really a factor. However, age plays a big role in situations where you do not meet those impairment requirements.

Your Work Matters. Montagna Law is Committed to Helping You Get the Disability Benefits You Need.

We proudly serve the entire Hampton Roads area. We are well-versed in the Social Security Act and knowledgeable about Social Security disability laws, SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid. We are committed to helping you pursue the benefits you have earned.

If you or a family member cannot work and needs help getting disability benefits before reaching full retirement age, our attorneys are here for you. Call us today at 757-622-8100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.