In a surprising but welcome move, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has withdrawn a controversial proposal that would have made it harder for older Americans to qualify for disability benefits. The decision comes after significant backlash from disability advocates and concerns raised within the Trump administration.
The now-shelved plan aimed to eliminate or reduce age as a factor when evaluating disability claims. Currently, age plays a crucial role in determining whether a person can reasonably adjust to other types of work. This is especially important for claimants over age 50, who often face more barriers to re-entering the workforce due to physical limitations, job market realities, or both.
Had the rule gone forward, it could have affected hundreds of thousands of applicants. By removing age as a consideration or raising the threshold to age 60, many claimants might have been deemed able to perform jobs they realistically couldn’t manage—effectively disqualifying them from receiving much-needed benefits.
Alongside this plan, the SSA also paused efforts to implement a new, modernized job database compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this data is more reflective of today’s labor market than the outdated system currently in use—which still references obsolete jobs like “nut sorter”—advocates feared it could be misused to deny benefits. They raised concerns that the system might identify an unrealistic number of jobs that applicants “could” theoretically do, without properly accounting for real-world limitations.
Advocates for the disabled and elderly applauded the SSA’s reversal. Organizations like AARP and the National Academy of Social Insurance emphasized the importance of protecting the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and maintaining a fair process for those who truly cannot work.
For many people over 50, especially those in physically demanding jobs, SSDI is a financial lifeline. Proposals that discount age as a real and valid limitation would have marked a significant shift in how disability claims are judged.
If your Social Security Disability Insurance claim has been denied, know that you’re not alone. Contact the Ortiz Law Firm for guidance. We help individuals nationwide fight for the disability benefits they need and deserve. Call (888) 321-8131 today for a free case evaluation.
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