Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities. Both programs have age categories and medical-vocational rules that determine eligibility.
Age Categories:
The SSA recognizes three age categories for disability benefits: "young," "closely approaching advanced age," and "advanced age."
Young: This category applies to individuals who are under the age of 50. To be eligible for disability benefits in this category, the individual must have a severe impairment that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The impairment must also be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Closely Approaching Advanced Age: This category applies to individuals who are between the ages of 50 and 54. To be eligible for disability benefits in this category, the individual must have a severe impairment that prevents them from engaging in SGA. The impairment must also be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Advanced Age: This category applies to individuals who are 55 or older. To be eligible for disability benefits in this category, the individual must have a severe impairment that prevents them from engaging in SGA. The impairment must also be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Medical-Vocational Rules:
The medical-vocational rules are used by the SSA to determine an individual's eligibility for disability benefits based on their age, education, and work experience. The rules take into account an individual's residual functional capacity (RFC), which is a measure of their ability to perform work-related activities despite their impairment.
Age: The SSA considers an individual's age when determining their eligibility for disability benefits. Generally, the older an individual is, the more likely they are to be approved for benefits.
Education: The SSA considers an individual's level of education when determining their eligibility for disability benefits. Generally, individuals with less education are more likely to be approved for benefits.
Work Experience: The SSA considers an individual's work experience when determining their eligibility for disability benefits. Generally, individuals with less work experience are more likely to be approved for benefits.
RFC: The SSA considers an individual's RFC when determining their eligibility for disability benefits. The RFC is a measure of an individual's ability to perform work-related activities despite their impairment. If an individual's RFC is such that they cannot perform their past work or any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, they may be approved for disability benefits.
In conclusion, the age categories and medical-vocational rules play a critical role in determining an individual's eligibility for disability benefits. Individuals who are considering applying for disability benefits should consult with an experienced disability attorney or advocate who can help guide them through the application process and increase their chances of approval.