Social Security Disability
When You’re Over 50
in Louisiana

Are There Eligibility Requirements for Someone Over 50? 

The eligibility criteria for individuals over 50 differ slightly from those for younger applicants. Key points include: 

• Work Credits: You need sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI, typically obtained by working and paying Social Security taxes. For example, a 53-year-old nurse who has worked consistently for 30 years will generally have enough credits. Ensure you have documentation of your work history and earnings to verify your credits, such as tax returns. A social security disability attorney can help you gather these materials. 
• Medical Evidence: Documentation of medical conditions that severely limit your ability to work. Gather medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment histories. For instance, a 55-year-old with severe arthritis should provide detailed records showing how pain and mobility issues prevent them from performing their job duties. 
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): This figures out what tasks you can do based on your age, education, and work history to determine your work capabilities. For instance, a 50-year-old factory worker with limited education may be deemed unable to transition to a new type of employment due to both physical limitations and lack of skills. Make sure to include assessments from healthcare providers about your physical and mental capabilities. 

These tips will help ensure that your application is thorough and well-supported, improving your chances of approval. Empower Disability is here to help you through the process.  

How Does My Age Affect My Eligibility for Benefits? 

Age can be an advantage in the SSD application process. Here’s how: 

• Easier Qualification: Older applicants are often not required to prove they can retrain for new types of work. 
• Work Limitations: Medical conditions are often more limiting for older individuals, which Social Security recognizes. 
• Less Strict Rules: If you are over 50, Social Security rules are more flexible. They focus on whether you can still do your old job or something similar. 

Can I Receive SSDI if I Have Not Worked in Recent Years? 

To get SSDI, you usually need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a specific amount of time. However, for individuals over 50: 

• Work History Requirements: You must have earned enough work credits within a specific timeframe, typically 20 credits in the last 10 years. If you worked inconsistently, you may still qualify for benefits. This is possible if you earned credits during a steady period of employment earlier in your career. A social security disability attorney can help you determine if you have enough work credits to qualify. 
• Recent Work: If you haven’t worked recently, it may impact your eligibility, but exceptions and special rules can apply. Long work histories can demonstrate a solid employment record, potentially offsetting gaps in recent employment. 

These considerations help ensure that applicants with varied work histories are fairly evaluated for SSDI benefits. 

How Does Being Over 50 Affect the Likelihood of Approval? 

Statistics show that approval rates for SSD benefits tend to be higher for older applicants. Reasons include: 

• Higher Approval Rates: Older applicants are more likely to meet the medical and vocational criteria. For instance, a 55-year-old with chronic back pain and limited work experience in physically demanding jobs may qualify more easily than a younger person because retraining opportunities are too difficult. 
• Anecdotal Evidence: Many older applicants have chronic conditions that worsen over time, making it easier to demonstrate severe disability. A 60-year-old with arthritis may have more difficulty doing daily activities than a 40-year-old with arthritis. 
• Statistical Trends: Data indicates that applicants over 50 have higher success rates due to the effects of aging on health and employment prospects. Studies show that older individuals face greater challenges in adapting to new job roles or retraining, making them more likely to be approved for benefits. 

These factors collectively contribute to a higher likelihood of approval for older SSD applicants. 

Does My Age Affect the Severity of Disability Requirements?

There are less severe thresholds if you are over 50 and applying for SSDI. 

For example, a younger applicant might need to prove they cannot perform any job at all, while an older applicant might only need to show they cannot return to their previous work or similar roles. 

Odds of Winning Social Security Disability Get Better with Age 

The older you are over 50, the easier it can be to qualify for benefits. And with a social security disability attorney on your side, the process will be even easier. This trend continues until you reach retirement age, when disability benefits transition to retirement benefits. 

Social Security Groups People into Age Categories

• Age 18–49 (“Younger Person”): At this age, you must prove that your health problems prevent you from working in any job that exists. 

• Age 50–54 (“Closely Approaching Advanced Age”): After 50, you only need to show that you cannot continue in your most recent job. 

• Age 55 and Up (“Person of Advanced Age”): Social Security becomes even less strict about whether you could return to any form of work. 

You don’t have to wonder about where you stand. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers can help you understand your eligibility and fight for the benefits you deserve. 

After years of hard work, you deserve dedicated support from a New Orleans area attorney for your disability claim. If a work injury has affected your ability to work, we can assist with that as well. 

Remember, you pay no fee until you win benefits.