If you have been collecting Social Security Disability for any length of time, you are already familiar with Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR), which monitor for any improvement of your condition. However, Social Security recognizes that their condition is less likely to improve as recipients age. Instead of spending time and resources monitoring older adults for medical improvement, SSA uses different guidelines to review beneficiaries over 50, commonly called the “grid rules.” How can these grid rules affect your Social Security disability review after age 55? The experienced Philadelphia Social Security Disability attorneys at Silver & Silver are here to shed some light on the subject. 

What Are SSA’s Grid Rules, and How Do They Affect Your Benefits as You Age?

As we age, we become less relevant in the modern workplace. This is especially true for individuals who have already been determined to be unable to work because of a disability. While Social Security is required by law to monitor disability beneficiaries to improve their conditions periodically, the reality is that as we age, we rarely get better and more employable.

Because of this, SSA has established different guidelines for reviewing older adults’ conditions. Known as the grid rules, these guidelines apply to disability beneficiaries over 50 to determine disability eligibility. 

How Do CDRs Change After 50?

Younger disability recipients face stricter criteria when facing Continuing Disability Reviews than older individuals. Because Social Security considers younger disability recipients more adaptable and able to train for different types of employment, CDRs for younger individuals focus more on improvement in their medical condition and how it may affect their ability to perform various types of work. 

Conversely, after a disability recipient turns 50, Social Security will reschedule their CDRs to every five to seven years. Because they regard older adults as less adaptable to new employment situations, grid rules use different criteria when reviewing disability beneficiaries 50 and older, making it easier to maintain their benefits.

Key Aspect of Grid Rules For Older Adult Disability Beneficiaries

Social Security recognizes that transferring to a new occupation will be more challenging for an older adult. This will be considered in a Social Security disability review after age 55.

Grid rules emphasize your age, education, work experience, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFP) more than your medical improvement for your disability reviews. The grid will categorize you by how old you are, your level of education, your previous work experience, and the level of work you can perform. These criteria are shown as a grid or table, simplifying the process for determining disability after age 50. 

Your Age

Grid rules use age categories, and you will fit into one of these categories if you are 50 or older:

• Recipients under the age of 50 are not considered under grid rules.
• Recipients aged 50 to 54 are considered “closely approaching advanced age.”
• Recipients aged 55 to 59 are considered “advanced age.” 
• Recipients aged 60 to 65 are considered “closely approaching retirement age.”

Once you turn 65, your disability benefits will automatically transition into retirement benefits, and your reviews will end. 

Your Education Level

Under the grid rules, SSA will consider your education more, and you will be categorized based on the level of education you’ve attained and how that translates into possible employment. 

Your Work Experience

SSA will also consider the transferability of your previous work skills under grid rules. The more unskilled your previous work history, the less transferable your skills will be to new employment.

Your Residual Functional Capacity

The final consideration under grid rules will be your Residual Functional Capacity or RFC. This is what level of physical work you can perform. Grid rules categorize these levels into sedentary, light, and medium work categories.

Understanding Grid Rules and Preparing for Continuing Reviews Past 50

SSA will evaluate these criteria when conducting a Social Security disability review after age 55. You will want to understand how these new rules can affect you and your continuing benefits so you can be prepared. 

What can you do to prepare for your reviews considering the grid rules?

• Continue to keep comprehensive and updated medical records. You will still want to continue seeing your doctor, follow any prescribed treatment plans, and document all these details. Collect any new medical evidence supporting your disability claim and obtain statements from your providers about how these affect you. You may ask your doctor to provide an updated report or RFC form showing how your current medical situation limits you.
• Document your daily challenges. It may be helpful to keep a diary or log of your activities, symptoms, and how your disability affects your daily life and your inability to work. 
• Always be honest and consistent. When facing any disability review, you will want to be honest about your condition and the limitations you suffer because of it. Exaggerating them can harm your credibility. Ensure that all the information you’ve provided on your forms is consistent with your records and daily logs. If you’ve been scheduled for an interview, prepare by reviewing all your records, logs, and any correspondence you’ve had with SSA. Answer any questions honestly and accurately; if you don’t understand the question, ask for clarification. 
• Consider getting legal assistance. If you are concerned about the review, getting experienced legal guidance to ease your mind makes sense. A Philadelphia Social Security disability lawyer understands the nuances of SSA rules and procedures and can help enhance your chances for a more favorable outcome. 

Navigating Social Security Disability Reviews After the Age of 55

Facing a Social Security disability review after age 55 can feel daunting. Fortunately, grid rules typically favor older adults, making it easier to maintain your existing benefits. If you have questions about how SSA’s grid rules might affect your upcoming review, let the skilled Philadelphia disability attorneys at Silver & Silver help. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or schedule an appointment through our website contact form.

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.