What is Physical Disability? Could I Qualify for SSDI/SSI at age 50+?

If you are 50 and over, you might not realize a physical disability could allow you to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Aging makes us more prone to different diseases or the progression of existing conditions that can make it impossible to work. As a result, there are special rules for disability programs for people over 50.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) understands how age can make it more challenging to carry out current work and train to take on a new job role to overcome those challenges. As a result, you are treated more favorably when facing the strict criteria to qualify for benefits.

Here we look at the definition of physical disability, the criteria for SSDI/SSI eligibility, and the possibilities of receiving disability benefits when you are in the 50+ age group.

What is Physical Disability According to the SSA?

The disability definition according to the Social Security Administration is:

The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

What is substantial gainful activity?

SGA is the amount of money you can earn based on a monthly criterion set by the SSA. If you can earn more than this amount, the SSA does not consider you disabled. In 2023, the SGA amount was set as follows:

• Statutorily blind individuals: $2460
• Non-blind individuals: $1470

What is the most common physical disability?

The three most common physical disabilities are:

1. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders
2. Heart disease
3. Respiratory disorders

What are SSDI and SSI Eligibility Criteria?

Here’s an overview of the criteria for receiving SSDI and SSI:

SSI: What is physical disability?

To apply for SSI, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• You are 65 or older
• You are totally or partially blind
• You suffer from a medical condition impacting your ability to work and that is expected to last one year or result in death

Eligibility criteria for SSI is determined by the following non-medical factors:

• Your income, including any social security benefits you receive, pensions, supplements for shelter and food, part-time work, etc.
• Your assets, including bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, if valued above $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple, not including your home or car
• The application for any Social Security benefits available to determine if you are eligible to receive further funding

SSDI: What is a physical disability?

SSDI benefits are based on an established work history and a list of disabilities that limit your ability to perform SGA. It is based on the following medical and non-medical disability criteria:

• 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last ten years
• Suffering from a condition expected to last at least a year or that will result in death
• Proof of a qualifying mental or physical disability
• Your grid rule evaluation

Age 50+ and Disability Benefits

For individuals under aged 50, the SSDI and SSI criteria can be more difficult to meet because the SSA views people under 50 as more adaptable and trainable. As a result, it becomes more difficult for younger people to prove to the SSA that they cannot work in any capacity. For those over 50, however, the SSA takes into account the potential challenges of reentering the workforce or acquiring new job skills due to age-related factors, including:

Medical Evidence and Documentation:

When applying for SSDI or SSI, it is crucial to provide comprehensive medical evidence that supports your physical disability claim. This includes medical records, appointments, medications, treatments, tests, x-rays, etc.

Grid Rules:

The SSA uses grid rules to evaluate your level of disability and whether your condition prevents you from performing any type of work. The grid rules are critical to people over 50 as they determine your “Residual Functional Capacity.”

Residual functional capacity: What is a physical disability?

This capacity evaluates how much strength-related work you can do if you are disabled based on five categories of physical disability work levels:

1. Sedentary: Mostly Sitting with occasional walking and standing or lifting over 10 pounds.
2. Light: Sitting, walking, standing, pushing, and pulling with your legs with a lifting limitation of no more than 20 pounds and carrying up to 10 pounds.
3. Medium: Some of the light capabilities, but also able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 25 pounds.
4. Heavy: The same as above but able to lift 100 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds.
5. Very Heavy: All of the heavy work but can lift over 100 pounds and carry over 50 pounds.

Vocational factors are also considered, including work experience and education. Although you might be physically capable of performing at one of these functional capacity levels, the difference the SSA applies to someone over 50 is that they might not be able to adjust to a new type of work. This is why your age could make you eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If you can perform a level of physical work but are less likely to adjust to the different skill set required for this type of work, then you are more likely to qualify for SSA benefits.

What are physical disability examples?

Some of the common physical disability examples include:

• Musculoskeletal System Disorders
• Nervous system
• Circulatory system
• Injuries
• Neoplasms

Consultation with a Disability Advocate

Despite having a higher chance of receiving SSDI/SSI, the application process can be complex. It is best to seek guidance from a disability advocate like Princeton Disability. We have an intimate understanding of what physical disability is and how it applies to your physical impairments and challenges. We also understand how your age impacts the vocational criteria in the eyes of the SSA.

If you have a disability or impairment making it difficult to work, speaking to Princeton Disability costs you nothing and can help determine if you are eligible to receive SSDI or SSI.

Book Your Free Consultation today to discuss your possible disabilities and how you might be eligible to receive SSA benefits.