Factors For Winning SSDI Claims: Age, Employment, Education

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/05/18 - Updated: 2024/06/03
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Lawyers and Rights - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: SSDI Judges will consider information into their decision-making process, including your age, your work history background, and your level of education. Remember that you are not always guaranteed SSDI benefits just because a condition exists and that you are unable to continue working.

Introduction

Whenever you are filing an SSDI claim and an SSA judge is hearing your case, there are numerous factors that are taken into consideration. Judges not only look for evidence of medical and mental problems, they also look at time frame factors involved where your inability to work is concerned. It is up to you to prove that this is a long-term or permanent condition. They also consider the adverse reactions you may be having to any medications that you are taking relative to your condition.

However, they will also take other factors into consideration when hearing your SSDI case. Judges will also weigh other information into their decision-making process. These include your age, your work history background, and your level of education. All three of these factors can play an extremely significant role in determining the outcome of your hearing. The following will explain why these factors are so important and why they may or may not be significant where your SSDI claim is concerned.

Main Item

Why Your Age is Important

Remember that you are not always guaranteed SSDI benefits just because a condition exists and that you are unable to continue working.

If you can return to the work force in a different capacity which is not hindered by your condition, there is a real possibility that you will be denied long-term benefits.

Age plays a role in the decision making process, especially if you are 50 years old or older. SSA judges tend to be more lenient with individuals who are 50 or older. If you have limited education and skills, these also benefit your case.

Why Your Work History is Important

The reason why your work history background can play a key role is usually determined by how long you had been working before you became disabled. Chances are, the longer you have been working, the more your claim will be viewed in a favorable light.

Judges know that the longer you have worked, the more you have paid into your Social Security account. So yes, the issue regarding work history background is financially oriented in a sense.

Why Your Education Level is Important

Individuals who have a limited education are typically offered more of a break in the decision making process than those who have achieved a higher education. This is due to the fact that the SSA knows it is much more difficult to find a decent job when your level of education is not that high.

This is especially the case with individuals who are age 50 or older, have limited job skills, and a limited education.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.