How Your Age Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits

This week, a new report released by the National Center for Policy Analysis revealed that seventy percent of those receiving disability payments are over the age of 50 – and that the aging population of Baby Boomers is one of the foremost reasons that the number of Social Security disability benefits recipients is growing at a rate never seen before. 

Disability becomes more common with age 

It makes sense: the older you become, the more likely you are to suffer from a health condition or illness that makes it unable for you to continue to work. Physical issues such as back injuries, chronic pain, or repetitive stress injuries can become worse as you get older, while illnesses like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease also leave older sufferers more disabled than ever before.

According to the Social Security Advisory Board, less than one percent of the American workforce between the ages of 20 and 24 are disabled and receiving disability benefits. However, about six percent of workers aged 50-54 are collecting disability benefits, while nine percent of those aged 55-60 are receiving disability benefits. Over 12 percent of those between 60 and 64 have applied for and receive Social Security disability benefits.

Age can affect your chances of receiving Social Security disability 

When analyzing your application for disability benefits and your medical record, the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t just look at your overall health – they also consider other factors, such as your age and the type of work you are trained and educated to do.

As you age, your chances of receiving disability benefits improve. Why? The older you are, the SSA is more likely to believe that you do not have the time or ability to go through a vocational readjustment. That is, if you are over the age of 50, 55, or 60, the SSA may decide that undergoing retraining for a different type of employment is not required.

Texas Social Security disability attorney 

At Morgan & Weisbrod, we understand that older workers have special needs – and that they are more prone to disabling medical conditions and illnesses than the younger population. If you need the assistance of a Dallas disability lawyer, we are here to help. Call today to schedule a free, private meeting.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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