There’s no question that the Trump administration has brought a lot of changes this past year. Those changes will continue into 2026.
For example, it’s been reported that the Social Security Administration (SSA), which administers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), is drafting a new rule that would decrease how much a person’s age is considered when they apply for SSDI after an injury or illness has left them unable to work. That could result in hundreds of thousands of Americans over 50 not getting the benefits they thought they could count on.
How applicants are grouped by age
Age is used as a factor in determining their ability to be able to take on a different job that they can do, even with their limitations. These age groups are:
- Under 50 (“younger person”)
- 50-54 (“closely approaching advanced age”)
- 55-59 (“advanced age)
- 60+ (“closely approaching retirement age”)
When people on SSDI reach retirement age under the SSA regulations, they receive Social Security retirement benefits instead of SSDI.
The anticipated effects of the proposed rule
If the proposed rule is approved, older people will have a more difficult time being approved for SSDI. In fact, according to a policy expert with the think tank that has been looking at the SSA’s proposed rule, it would cut the number of applicants over 50 by up to 30% (and younger workers by as much as 20%).
The head of the National Academy of Social Insurance, which funded the study analyzing the effects of the proposed rule, says this would be “the largest cut to the Social Security disability program in the history of the program.”
Those behind the proposed rule argue that people in their 50s and older are better able to learn new skills and adjust to new jobs than in the past because so many jobs now don’t require physical labor and can even be done from home.
Approvals are already declining
Even after the new rule is finalized (if it is at all), it will take some time (and possibly changes) before it takes effect. However, other studies have found that the number of claims being approved has already dropped (by 3% in the past year). Federal employee layoffs and the government shutdown likely account for part of this.
While each applicant’s case is unique, it’s helpful to know what kind of changes are happening within the SSA that could affect your individual application. If you’re facing a denial of your SSDI application, having experienced legal guidance can help you navigate the system successfully.
