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Over Age 50 Claims

Are you over 50 and wondering if your health problems could qualify you for Social Security Disability? You don’t have to guess or try to figure it out on your own.

The disability lawyers at Crowe & Shanahan focus exclusively on Social Security Disability claims. We understand how the rules change for older workers, and we know what to look for in your records and job history. Our team can guide you through the application process and argue persuasively on your behalf if your case goes to a hearing.

You don’t have anything to lose by reaching out. Contact Crowe & Shanahan today to arrange your free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.

How Age Affects Disability Claims

When you turn 50, the Social Security Administration (SSA) starts to look at your disability claim a little differently. They understand that finding a new job might be harder, especially if you’ve done the same kind of work for many years. As a result, the rules become more favorable to you once you hit 50.

The SSA breaks age groups into categories: younger individuals (under 50), closely approaching advanced age (50–54), advanced age (55 and older), and closely approaching retirement age (60 and older). It’s a bit easier to qualify for benefits as you progress through these categories. The older you are, the less the SSA expects you to switch to new types of work.

This doesn’t mean the SSA approves everyone over 50, but you do have a better chance as you age, especially if you have limited education or mostly physical work experience. Your age, along with your health problems, your past jobs, and your education, all play a role in how the SSA looks at your case.

The SSA’s Medical-Vocational Grid Rules for Claimants Over 50

The SSA uses “medical-vocational guidelines” or “grid rules” to make decisions on disability claims. These rules assess your age, education, past work, and physical ability. If the pieces fit in a certain way, the SSA could find you disabled even if you could technically do some other kind of work.

Once you turn 50, the grid rules give you more credit for the challenges of changing careers. The SSA splits older workers into three groups:

Age 50–54: “Closely approaching advanced age.” If your past work involved mostly physical tasks, and you can’t do that work anymore, the SSA might say that you’re disabled, even if you could handle a sit-down job.
Age 55–59: “Advanced age.” The rules are even more favorable here. If you can’t do your old job and don’t have training for easier work, the SSA will often approve your claim.
Age 60–64: “Closely approaching retirement age.” The rules favor you even more, especially if you’ve done the same kind of job for years and don’t have many transferable skills.

These guidelines are most favorable to those with long physical job histories, less education, and serious health problems. They don’t guarantee approval, but they make the process easier if your situation fits these criteria. A lawyer can point to the right grid rule in your case and build your argument around it.

Common Impairments in Over-Fifty Claims

Many people over 50 apply for Social Security Disability because their long-term health problems have made it difficult or impossible to keep working. The Social Security Administration considers a wide range of medical issues in these claims, including:

Arthritis: This condition can make everyday movement painful, especially in the hands, knees, hips, or back. It often affects people over 50 and can make physical jobs difficult to manage.
Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the discs in the spine can break down. This condition can cause chronic back pain, neck pain and make it harder to sit, stand, lift and carry and use the upper extremities for extended periods.
Heart Disease: Ongoing heart problems can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and poor stamina. Many people with heart disease struggle to keep up with steady or physical work.
Diabetes Complications: If diabetes is not well-controlled or has gone on for years, it can lead to nerve damage, foot problems, or vision issues that interfere with work.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD limits lung function and makes it tough to breathe during basic physical activities. People with COPD often cannot manage tasks that require walking, lifting, or climbing.
Obesity with Related Limits: Obesity on its own does not always qualify, but when it is combined with other conditions like joint pain or heart issues, it can create serious work restrictions.
Depression: Older workers with depression often struggle to focus, stay organized, or show up to work regularly. This condition can affect the ability to do both physical and desk jobs.
Stroke After-Effects: A stroke can cause weakness, speech problems, or trouble with memory. If these issues continue, they might keep someone from returning to their old job.
Vision or Hearing Loss: If you have serious trouble seeing or hearing, even with glasses or hearing aids, this could prevent you from safely doing many types of work.

Reduced Work Capacity and Past Work Considerations

When you apply for Social Security over age 50, the SSA looks closely at what kind of work you’ve done in the past 5 years. If your medical condition keeps you from doing that same type of work now, your case will be stronger, especially if you’re over 50. The SSA doesn’t just consider whether you can work. They also look at whether you could go back to your old job or switch to something new.

If you’ve spent your life doing physical work, and your health now limits your ability to lift, stand, or walk for long periods, the SSA will take that seriously. If your past job required a lot of movement and you now need to sit most of the day, they might decide that you can’t return to your usual work.

The SSA will also consider your education and whether your skills could transfer to other jobs. The older you are, the less likely they are to expect you to switch to something completely new. That’s why reduced capacity and job history matter so much for claimants over 50.

Legal Help Is Very Important for Disability Claims Over Age 50

If you’re over 50 and thinking about filing for disability, an experienced attorney could make a big difference in your case. Social Security uses special rules for people in your age group, but you have to apply those rules the right way. Your lawyer can look at your medical records, your work history, and your limits, then match them to the rules that give you the best chance of approval.

Your disability attorney can also gather the right evidence and prepare you for what to expect throughout the claims process. If your case goes to a hearing, your lawyer can help speak for you and deal with the judge’s questions. You don’t have to handle the system alone. When you work with someone who knows how the rules apply to older workers, you’ll be in a stronger position from the start.

Contact a Missouri Disability Lawyer for Help With Your Disability Claim

Need help with a Social Security Disability claim after age 50? Crowe & Shanahan can help. Contact us today to begin your free consultation and get the answers you need.

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Why Crowe & Shanahan?

A Trusted Guide Throughout the Confusing Disability Benefit Process

We take pride in the strong professional and personal relationships we build with each client. You will meet with the attorney early on and that same attorney will be with you throughout the process. You can rely on us to give you honest advice about your options because this is the right thing to do.

As your advocates, we will remain by your side throughout the process, developing a strategy that fits your specific circumstances. Your legal and financial issues are unique, so we tailor our advice according to your situation. Many individuals and families have benefited from this legal approach.