If you’re a blue-collar worker struggling with serious health issues, you may be thinking about filing for Social Security Disability. One thing you might not know is that turning 55 can often increase your chances of getting approved.
Let’s take a closer look at why age matters in Social Security Disability cases and how the Grid Rules may help boost your Springfield Missouri Social Security disability claim.
Why Age 55 Makes a Difference
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sees older workers as having fewer job options. If you’re 55 or older, it can be harder to retrain for a new line of work, especially if you’ve spent years doing physically demanding jobs.
Judges also know that awarding disability benefits to a 55-year-old is generally less of a financial burden on the system than awarding it to a 30-year-old, who might draw benefits much longer.
Because of this, many people over 55 see approval rates that are noticeably higher than the national average.
If you have a solid work history, limited job skills outside of physical labor, and a clear medical condition, the Social Security Administration is more inclined to find you disabled.
How the Grid Rules Help
The Grid Rules (also known as the Medical-Vocational Guidelines) can change the way the Social Security Administration looks at your case. These rules focus on:
- Age
- Education
- Past Work
- Physical Limits (called “exertional limitations”)
For younger workers, you must prove you can’t do any job at all. But at 55, the rules are more relaxed.
If your condition limits you to “light work” (e.g., lifting about 20 pounds and standing for up to six hours in a workday) and you can no longer do your old heavy or medium jobs, you might be found disabled under the Grid Rules.
Important: The Grid Rules mainly apply to physical conditions (like back, knee, or shoulder problems). If your main issue is mental (such as depression or PTSD), the Grid Rules may not apply the same way.
However, many older workers have both physical and mental conditions, or a history of physically demanding work, making the Grid Rules worth exploring.
Top Reasons Why 55+ Claimants Often Win
Easier to Prove Limited Job Options – Employers might hesitate to retrain older workers for new tasks—this can weigh in your favor.
Less Time Until Retirement – The judge knows you’re closer to full retirement age, so your case may be seen as less of a financial “risk” to the SSA.
Grid Rules Shortcut – When you show you can’t do your old job and have limited ability to handle “light work,” the Grid Rules can lead to a quicker approval.
Practical Reality – Many 55+ claimants have a long work history in physically demanding roles, and serious injuries often prevent them from safely returning to those jobs.
What if You’re Almost 55?
If you’re 54 or close to 55, you can still qualify for disability. But if you can manage a few more months of work and your health allows it, waiting until you reach 55 might simplify your claim.
Of course, everyone’s health and financial needs differ—call our office to see if this strategy makes sense for you.
Important Next Steps
Gather Medical Evidence – Keep up with doctor visits and ensure your records clearly show your physical limits.
Learn About the Grid Rules – Research how they apply to your age group and work background.
Consult a Disability Lawyer – An experienced social security disability lawyer can explain how turning 55 affects your Springfield Missouri Social Security disability claim and help you navigate the Grid Rules.
Need More Help?
If you have questions about applying for disability—especially if you’re 55 or older—reach out to our office. As a Social Security Disability law firm, we help blue-collar workers across the country, thanks to virtual hearings by phone or video. We’ll work together to build a strong case so you can focus on your health and secure the benefits you deserve.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you secure the disability benefits you deserve. With extensive experience in Social Security Disability law, we understand the intricacies of the disability hearing process and are here to support you every step of the way.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call our Springfield office today for a free consultation at 417-883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on a Missouri Disability Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.
We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Missouri residents. Give us a call today.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay. You can reach our Springfield office at 417-883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
A Missouri Social Security disability lawyer can help make the process of getting the full amount you’re owed much easier. The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations, and all it takes is giving us a call today.
Whether you’re making an initial Social Security Disability claim or striving to make an appeal, The Krebs Law Firm knows the ins and outs of the application process and offers free consultations to potential clients. You have nothing to lose by contacting us and everything to gain.
If you seek the help of a Social Security Disability attorney in Missouri with your claim, the Krebs Law Firm has years of experience in helping our clients receive the full amount of Social Security Disability benefits that they rightly deserve in as timely a manner as possible. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security Disability process and would be happy to work with you.