# At what age is it easier to get SSDI?

Under 20 CFR Part 404 Subpart P Appendix 2, the SSA gives greater weight to age, education, and past work as claimants get older. Age 50 (closely approaching advanced age) and 55 (advanced age) are the key thresholds.

**Direct answer:** SSDI approval rates rise significantly at age 50 and again at age 55 because the SSA's medical-vocational rules (the grids) treat older workers more favorably when deciding whether they can adjust to new work.

## Why does age matter?
The SSA's medical-vocational rules assume older workers have a harder time learning new skills or adjusting to a different type of work.

   
## What are the key ages?
Age 50, 55, and 60 each unlock more favorable rules.

## Sources
- SSA — Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) — https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/

## Related questions
- [Why was my SSDI denied?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/why-was-my-ssdi-denied)
- [What conditions automatically qualify for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/what-conditions-automatically-qualify-for-ssdi)
## Topics
- SSA Blue Book — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/blue-book
- SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssdi

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