Am I Too Young to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Am I Too Young to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

One of the most common myths about Social Security Disability benefits is that you have to be older to qualify.  Many disability claimants hear comments such as “You’re too young to get disability” or “Social Security only approves older people” or “Wait until you’re fifty.”  As a result, many people delay filing disability claims or assume they have no chance of being approved.  Fortunately, that is not how Social Security Disability works.

There Is No Minimum Age Requirement for Disability Benefits

Contrary to popular belief, Social Security Disability benefits are not reserved for older workers.  In fact, people in their:

• Twenties;
• Thirties;
• Forties;
• Fifties and for
• Children

can all qualify for disability benefits if they meet Social Security’s requirements.

The determining issue is not how old you are.  The issue is whether your medical condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful employment.

Why Do People Think Younger Individuals Cannot Get Disability?

Because younger claimants often face a more difficult burden.  Social Security generally assumes younger workers have a greater ability to:

• Learn new skills;
• Adapt to different jobs;
• Obtain additional training; and
• Adjust to other forms of employment.

That does not mean younger people cannot qualify, it simply means Social Security may expect them to have more vocational flexibility.

What Conditions Can Qualify Younger Workers?

Age does not determine whether a condition is disabling.  Many younger workers are approved for disability benefits because of serious conditions such as:

• Multiple sclerosis;
• Lupus;
• Epilepsy;
• Severe mental illness;
• Crohn’s disease;
• IBD;
• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Cancer;
• Serious spinal disorders;
• Chronic pain syndromes.

The focus is on the limitations caused by the condition—not the claimant’s birth date.

The Real Question Social Security Asks

Many people think Social Security asks “How old are you?”  In reality, Social Security asks “Can you perform full-time competitive employment on a sustained basis?”

That question applies whether a claimant is 28 or 58.

Younger Claimants Often Win Strong Cases

Some of the strongest disability claims involve younger individuals with severe medical impairments.

For example:

• A 32-year-old with uncontrolled epilepsy.
• A 40-year-old with severe bipolar disorder.
• A 35-year-old with multiple spinal surgeries and chronic pain.
• A 29-year-old with Crohn’s disease requiring frequent hospitalization.

None of these individuals would be denied simply because of their age.

Why Medical Evidence Becomes So Important

Because younger claimants are often expected to adapt to other work, medical evidence can be especially important.

Social Security will closely examine:

• Physician opinions;
• Diagnostic testing;
• Hospital records;
• Treatment history;
• Functional limitations;
• Medication side effects.

The stronger the medical evidence, the less important age becomes.

Why Younger Claimants Get Discouraged

Many younger workers hear stories about people being denied repeatedly and assume age is the reason.  In reality, most denials have nothing to do with age.

Claims are often denied because:

• Medical records are incomplete;
• Treating physicians have not documented limitations;
• The claimant continues working above allowable levels;
• Social Security believes other work can be performed.

Those issues can arise regardless of age.

Age Can Help Later—But It Is Not Required

As workers get older, Social Security’s vocational rules may become more favorable; however, many people misunderstand this principle.  The fact that age may help some claimants does not mean younger individuals cannot qualify as thousands of younger Americans receive disability benefits every year.

The real issue is not whether you are “too young.” The real issue is whether the medical and vocational evidence demonstrates that you are unable to work on a sustained basis.

For decades, the attorneys at Powell and Denny have represented disability claimants throughout Alabama and have extensive experience helping individuals of all ages pursue the benefits they deserve, so if you have questions about SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, a denied disability claim, or whether your medical condition may qualify you for benefits, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at Powell and Denny today a free consultation; remember. Virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live, and remember-there is no fee unless you win.

Virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of our attorneys from wherever you live.

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