You can get disability benefits up until full retirement age. Currently, the full retirement age is 67 years old. Generally, winning a disability claim gets easier for people as they get older.
SSDI vs. Early Retirement
You can file for early retirement benefits once you turn 62. However, collecting early retirement rather than filing for SSDI has some drawbacks. If you take early retirement, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced. The amount Social Security reduces your benefit depends on the number of months you have until you reach full retirement age. If you apply and get approved for SSDI, you will receive 100% of your monthly benefit. That benefit continues when it switches over to Social Security when you reach full retirement age.
Filing for SSDI at 60 years old
SSDI benefits can be time-consuming and challenging. However, if you have the proper documentation to support your claim, you can win your claim. SSDI requires that your medical conditions prevent you from working. Additionally, you must be incapable of working for at least 12 months. Luckily, Social Security can make it easier to receive SSDI when they are close to retirement age. Below are some key takeaways to understanding how to secure SSDI early at 60 years old.
Medical evidence
Social Security has to figure out how your conditions interfere with your daily activities. They do this by reviewing your medical records. Therefore, you need to see your doctors regularly for your conditions. Additionally, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists document your symptoms and problems better than your general doctor. Your doctors can also help your claim by completing a form explaining how your conditions impact your functioning, known as an RFC form.
Grid Rules
Social Security considers several factors to decide if a person qualifies for SSDI. These factors include a person’s age, education, residual functional capacity (RFC), and their work history. Your RFC includes what you can do despite your medical conditions. Once Social Security figures out your RFC, they consider the grid rules.
Once Social Security figures out your RFC and your past work, they will look to the grid rules. The grid rules allow Social Security to approve your SSDI claim even if you can do other work. Social Security has separate charts for different physical categories. Specifically, they include sedentary, light, and medium physical categories.
Your Past Work and Job Skills
In order to apply the grid rules, Social Security must categorize your past work. The grid rules only apply if you can’t return to any of your past work. Social Security only considers past relevant work. Past relevant work includes work you’ve done within the past 15 years. Additionally, it should have resulted in significant earnings. Temporary or part-time jobs might not count as past relevant work. Your past work gets classified under one of the physical categories.
Social Security looks at the type of skills required to do your past work. Social Security considers whether any skills you learned at your previous jobs could be used to do something else. If you do, Social Security considers them “transferable skills”. Generally, people who performed semi-skilled or skilled jobs will have developed skills they could use doing something else. This can make it harder to apply the grid rules. However, at age 60, there must be little to no additional training or adjustment. Some jobs require such specialized skills, and Social Security will decide that the worker doesn’t have transferable skills.
Your RFC
Your RFC can include both mental and physical limitations. Social Security evaluates your ability to perform activities required for you to work. You must show that your medical conditions interfere with your daily activities. Social Security reviews your medical records to figure out your RFC.
Below are some examples of how the SSA may determine eligibility for SSDI benefits:
Example 1: Applying the grid rules at 60
Julia, a 61-year-old woman, applied for SSDI due to coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. She also suffers from depression. Julia previously worked as a cook. Her job required her to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at times. Social Security found that she could not perform her job as a cook. She had no transferable skills. Social Security awarded Julia disability benefits.
Example 2: Applying the grid rules at 60
Frank, a 60-year-old man, applied for SSDI due to a right shoulder injury. He previously worked as a janitor. He also had past work as a construction worker. Frank has difficulty lifting and carrying heavy items with his right arm. In fact, he can’t pick up more than 15 pounds. Social Security found that Frank could perform light work. Frank has no transferable skills. Therefore, Social Security approved Frank’s SSDI claim.
Example 3: Disability Help Group Case Study
For example, Matthew applied for SSDI because he had arthritis in his knees. He was 62 years old and worked as a fork-lift operator in a warehouse for many years. Matthew had only visited his primary care doctor. His doctor gave him a referral to physical therapy. Unfortunately, Matthew as denied for SSDI. He then contacted Disability Help Group for help with his appeal. Our advocate suggested that he get x-rays and imaging of his knees. She also suggested that he get a prescription for the cane he used. Matthew followed his advocate’s advice. On appeal, Matthew’s additional medical evidence helped show that he could not return to his job as a fork-lift operator. Therefore, Social Security applied the grid rules and approved his case.
SSDI Timing and Approval FAQs
One of the biggest concerns people have when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at age 60 is how long the process will take and what to expect along the way. The timeline can vary from person to person, but understanding the steps and factors that affect approval can help you plan and avoid unnecessary delays. Below are answers to some of the most common timing-related questions about getting SSDI in your 60s.
• How long does it usually take to get an SSDI decision? Most initial SSDI claims take about 3 to 6 months to process, but the exact time frame depends on how quickly Social Security can gather and review your medical evidence. If your records are complete and you respond quickly to any requests for information, your decision may come sooner.
• What happens if my claim is denied? Many initial SSDI applications are denied, but that doesn’t mean the process is over. If you appeal, your case will go through additional review, which can take several more months or over a year. Having strong medical evidence and working with an experienced disability advocate can improve your chances and help keep the process moving as quickly as possible.
Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-800-3332
Our team is here to help you through every step of you disablity journey. Make sure you start your SSDI claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
“Social Security disability” technically refers to the SSDI (or SSD) program. However, people often interchangeably use the term to refer to SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they are very different. SSD is funded by FICA contributions deducted from your paycheck. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program funded by the Treasury.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have earned a certain number of work credits across your career, and a smaller number within the previous 10 years. Social Security disability operates like an insurance program, so you won’t be disqualified based on your assets. There is also no limit on income from sources other than work. However, if you earn above a certain threshold through work or self-employment, you will not be considered disabled. In 2025, the cut-off is $1,620/month ($2,700/month if you are blind).
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability: Unearned Income
Unearned income is money that is earned outside of a job. Under SSDI, you can receive income from other sources and still qualify to receive benefits. Examples of unearned income include:
Income from retirement accounts, dividends or stocks
Rental income, unless you are in the business of operating rental properties
Gifts from friends or family
Proceeds from the sale of property
Alimony or child support
What Can You Own on SSI?
SSI pays monthly benefits for low-income disabled adults and children and low-income senior citizens. Because SSI is a need-based program, the SSA will consider both your income and assets in determining eligibility. To qualify, you must:
Have less than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Social Security calls assets “resources.” Resources include money, but also other types of property that have value. Resources include:
Cash or any money in a checking or savings account
Life insurance policies, stocks, bonds or retirement accounts
Any other countable assets
However, certain types of property are considered non-countable, meaning they won’t be included when the SSA adds up the value of your assets. Some examples include your home, one motor vehicle, and many types of household goods.
SSI Income Limits
To be eligible for SSI benefits, your countable income must be below the maximum federal benefit amount. In 2025, that’s $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. This includes both income from work and income from other sources. If your spouse has income, some of that income may be counted. Some “in kind” help you receive from others may also be counted.
However, there are some adjustments applied to arrive at your countable income–it may be lower than your actual income. Social Security will also reduce your countable income with certain income exclusions. For example, Social Security excludes the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 in earned income each month. Irregular income is treated somewhat differently.
The SSA also deducts certain costs from your income. For example, if you are working and need special impairment-related work expenses, you can deduct these expenses from your income. Other types of non-countable income include:
Food stamps
Tax refunds
Public benefits based on need
Loans that you have to repay
So, it’s worth checking your eligibility even if at first glance it seems like you have too much income or too many assets.
Sara has worked for 25 years and paid into Social Security. When she becomes disabled, she has $100,000 in an investment account and significant equity in her home.
Since Sara has accumulated sufficient work credits to be eligible for SSD and is no longer able to work due to her disability, she will likely qualify for SSD. SSD isn’t need-based, so her assets won’t be a problem. However, she will not qualify for SSI because she has significant countable assets.
Joe has worked only sporadically in the past 10 years and his ability to work is now limited by a disability. He works part-time and earns $500/month. He owns a car, has $750 in the bank and does not own a home.
Joe may be considered disabled even though he is earning $500/month from work because he is below the substantial gainful activity threshold. However, he may not qualify for SSD because he may not have accumulated enough recent work credits to be eligible.
Because his income and assets are both below the SSI cut-off, he may qualify for SSI benefits. However, his countable income will be deducted from the maximum benefit amount to determine his benefits. The SSA would:
Subtract $65 from his monthly earnings to determine countable income
Subtract countable income from the maximum federal benefit to determine benefits
In this scenario, that means:
$500 in earnings minus $65 exclusion = $435 in countable income
$967 maximum federal benefit minus $435 in countable income = $532 in monthly benefits
Mary has been living off of an inheritance for more than 10 years, so has no recent work credits. Now, she is in her 50s and has become disabled. Her funds are running low–she has about $50,000 remaining. But due to her disability, she cannot return to work.
In this scenario, Mary won’t qualify for either SSD or SSI. She hasn’t accrued enough recent work credits to qualify for SSD benefits, and her $50,000 disqualifies her from SSI benefits. Since she can’t return to work, she can’t become eligible for SSD. However, when her funds run out, she may be eligible for SSI.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
As you can see, determining which benefits you may be entitled to can be complicated. There may also be steps you can take to impact your eligibility or the amount of benefits you receive. Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
VA Disability Compensation Rates 2020 (Updated for 2025)
VA Disability Compensation Rates for 2020 increased by about 1.6% from 2019 rates. If the VA decides that a veteran’s disability is related to service, it must then assign a rating percentage. By law, VA may assign a rating of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%. These percentages guide the precise dollar amount VA must pay to a disabled veteran.
Individual v. Combined Ratings, VA Disability Compensation Rates 2020
Combined VA Disability Compensation Rates
A 100% disability compensation rating is the maximum permitted by law. However, what if you have one disability at 70% (such as PTSD) and another disability at 50% (such as sleep apnea)? Does that mean you have a total rating of 120%? Unfortunately, no. To avoid going over the 100% cap, VA uses a Combined Ratings table. Instead of adding your individual ratings, VA combines them using a formula. This is known as “VA math.”
Combined Ratings Table
2020 VA Disability Compensation Rates. In fact, the Combined Ratings table provides that after your conditions are rated, they are all combined using a specific formula. First, the VA considers the most disabling condition – that is, the one with the highest rating – then less disabling conditions in order of severity. Consequently, this method captures the residual efficiency of a veteran with more than one service-connected condition. Because the maximum percentage reflects total impairment, the formula will never result in a rating higher than 100%.
If the combined value ends in a number from 5 through 9, VA rounds up to the next highest multiple of 10. Values that ends in 1 through 4, VA rounds down to the lower multiple of 10. If the combined value ends in 0, then rounding is unnecessary.
Combined Rating Example
For example, a veteran with 70% for PTSD and 50% rating for sleep apnea has a combined value of 85%. An 85% value rounds up to a 90% combined rating. Similarly, for a veteran with a combined value of 84%, rounds down to 80%. A veteran with two separate disabilities rated at 10% each has a combined value of 19%, which rounds up to a 20% combined rating.
A veteran’s combined rating determines his monthly compensation payment. For all combined rating percentages above 0%, VA will make specific monthly payments to the veteran. The higher the disability rating, the higher the monthly compensation VA will pay to the veteran.
How Much are 2020 VA Disability Compensation Rates per Month? (Updates for 2025 below)
VA disability compensation rates depend on your combined rating and how many dependents rely on you for support. All things considered, if you have a 0% rating, then VA will not pay any monthly benefits. As long as you have at least a 30% combined rating percentage, VA will pay a bit extra for every dependent. Altogether, the following 2020 rates break down the monthly benefit VA must pay based on your overall rating percentage:
Veteran with No Dependents
10%
$142.29
20%
$281.27
30%
$435.69
40%
$627.61
50%
$893.43
60%
$1,131.68
70%
$1,426.17
80%
$1,657.80
90%
$1,862.96
100%
$3,106.04
Veteran with Spouse Only (No Children)
10%
$142.29
20%
$281.27
30%
$486.69
40%
$696.61
50%
$979.43
60%
$1,234.68
70%
$1,547.17
80%
$1,795.80
90%
$2,017.96
100%
$3,279.22
Veteran with 1 Child Only
10%
$142.29
20%
$281.27
30%
$469.69
40%
$673.61
50%
$950.43
60%
$1,200.68
70%
$1,507.17
80%
$1,749.80
90%
$1,966.96
100%
$3,221.85
Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child
10%
$142.29
20%
$281.27
30%
$525.69
40%
$747.61
50%
$1,043.43
60%
$1,311.68
70%
$1,636.17
80%
$1,897.80
90%
$2,132.96
100%
$3,406.04
Veteran with Spouse, 1 Child, and 1 Dependent Parent
10%
$142.29
20%
$281.27
30%
$566.69
40%
$802.61
50%
$1,112.43
60%
$1,394.68
70%
$1,733.17
80%
$2,008.80
90%
$2,257.96
100%
$3,545.02
2025 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Veterans who have been assigned a disability rating and are receiving benefits can expect the following tax-free monthly compensation amounts, effective December 1, 2024:
Veterans with no dependents:
10% – $175.51
20% – $346.95
30% – $537.42
40% – $774.16
50% – $1,102.04
60% – $1,395.93
70% – $1,759.19
80% – $2,044.89
90% – $2,297.96
100% – $3,831.30
Veterans with spouse (no children):
30% – $601.42
40% – $859.16
50% – $1,208.04
60% – $1,523.93
70% – $1,908.19
80% – $2,214.89
90% – $2,489.96
100% – $4,044.91
Veterans with spouse and 1 child:
30% – $648.42
40% – $922.16
50% – $1,287.04
60% – $1,617.93
70% – $2,018.19
80% – $2,340.89
90% – $2,630.96
100% – $4,201.35
Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA)
Periodically, VA will re-assess the precise dollar amounts to keep pace with increases in the cost of living. This usually happens at the same time that the Social Security Administration issues a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Make Sure VA is Paying You Correctly, VA Disability Compensation Rates 2020
If you already have a VA disability rating, don’t assume VA is paying you based on the most current rates. It’s important to periodically review your compensation status to confirm your payments are accurate.
Not sure about your combined rating? You can request a Summary of Benefits from the VA, which outlines your rating and monthly payment amount. Then, compare that information to the latest VA compensation tables to be sure everything matches up.
At Disability Help Group, our experienced advocates can help you review your benefits and fight for the full compensation you’ve earned.
You Can Check the Status of Your Social Security Disability Claim Online
What your application status shows when you check your status online, you can find:
Your re-entry number for your online application or appeal that hasn’t been submitted
The date Social Security received your application or appeal
Your scheduled hearing date and time
The location of your application or appeal including the
address of the office processing your application
If a decision has been made
Understanding Your Status Updates
When you log in, you may see terms like “pending,” “in review,” or “decision made.” Knowing what these statuses mean can help you understand whether Social Security is waiting on medical records, scheduling a hearing, or preparing a decision.
How to Check Your Disability Application Status Online
You must sign into your “my Social Security” account. You cannot check the status of your claim online if you don’t have an account.
Step-by-step instructions:
Select “View Details” to check your application status.
Scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section.
How to Create a “my Social Security” Account
Social Security asks for specific information to create an online account. You can only create an account for yourself, you cannot create one for another person.
You will need:
Firstly, A valid email address
Secondly, Your social security number
Thirdly, A U.S. mailing address
You must be at least 18 years old
Tip: Both SSDI and SSI applicants can create an account to track their claims. Your account also allows you to view your earnings history, estimate retirement benefits, and update personal information.
Other Ways to Check Your Application Status
If you cannot access your application online, you can also:
Call your local Social Security office
Call Social Security’s national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Checking your disability status online is important so you can:
Make sure Social Security has all the paperwork to process your application or receives your medical records
Avoid missing any deadlines to appeal your claim if you are denied
Understand how long it might take to get a decision
Timeline insight:
Initial decisions generally take 3–6 months.
Reconsideration appeals may take 3–5 months.
Hearings with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can take 9 months to over a year, depending on your location.
Filing For Social Security Disability Online Status
Social Security follows many steps before making a decision on your claim. The process can be overwhelming and frustrating if you don’t know how it works:
You send your disability application to your local Social Security office.
The local office processes your application.
Social Security sends your claim to Disability Determination Services or DDS. Shortly after you have been assigned a claim adjudicator, he or she will contact you and provide paperwork regarding your claim.
Disability Status Online: Reconsideration
If Social Security denies your initial application, you can file an appeal for reconsideration. This is the next step in the disability process and can take several months for a decision.
Disability Status Online: Requesting a Hearing
If Social Security denies your reconsideration appeal, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Your case is sent to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
OHO assigns an ALJ and sends you a letter with your hearing date, time, and location
Wait times can vary widely, sometimes taking 9 months to over a year
Benefits of Working with a Disability Advocate
Many people ask, “Do I need an advocate for Social Security Disability?” While you’re not required to have one, having our experienced team on your side can greatly improve your chances of approval. We guide you through every step of the application and appeals process, explain the often-complex Social Security disability rules, and help you gather the right medical records and work history to build a strong claim.
How an experienced disability advocate can help you:
1. Assistance with Social Security Forms
Social Security sends multiple forms requesting information about your daily activities, work history, and medical conditions. Missing or incomplete forms can lead to delays or claim denials. Our team of experienced disability advocates ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, helping prevent unnecessary setbacks in your claim.
2. Following Up with Social Security
SSA often sends letters indicating missing information or medical records. Our expert disability advocates monitor your claim closely, check its status more thoroughly than an online account or letter, and ensure that all necessary documents are received. This proactive approach helps keep your claim moving and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I check my SSI claim status without a my Social Security account? A: You can call your local SSA office or the national number at 1-800-772-1213.
Q: How long does it take to get Social Security disability benefits after approval? A: Typically, 1–3 months after approval, though it may vary depending on your case.
Q: Can someone else check my disability claim status for me? A: No. Only you can access your online account, though your appointed representative or advocate can contact SSA on your behalf.
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Our team of experienced Social Security Disability advocates knows the ins and outs of SSDI and are ready to fight to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation and expert guidance on your Social Security Disability claim. CLICK HERE for a FREE case evaluation.
Cervical Neck Fusion and Social Security Disability
Cervical Neck Fusion and Social Security Disability. You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you’ve had a cervical neck fusion. However, you must show that you still can’t work. Many different problems can cause neck pain and other symptoms. Typically, degenerative disc disease, whiplash, herniated discs, and arthritis can cause ongoing symptoms. Neck impairments can cause many different symptoms.
These symptoms may include:
Pain
Limited movement of the neck or shoulders
Headaches
Shooting pain down the back or arms
Numbness and/or tingling
Getting Disability For Cervical Neck Fusion
You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for your cervical neck fusion or impairments. However, you must show that your symptoms are severe. They must cause problems doing normal activities. Additionally, they must keep you from working for at least 12 months.
Social Security provides a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book provides specific conditions that you must meet to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security doesn’t have a specific listing for a cervical neck fusion. However, they do provide a listing for spinal disorders under 1.04.
To meet Social Security’s listing for your neck problems, you must show that the nerve root or spinal cord has been affected.
Additionally, you must show:
Evidence of nerve root compression, limited movement of your spine, and muscle weakness with loss of feeling or reflexes, or
Spinal arachnoiditis is a painful disorder caused by inflammation that causes you to have to change positions every two hours
Getting Disability If You Don’t Meet The Listing
Many people will not meet the listing for their cervical neck impairments. Fortunately, you can still get disability benefits. Specifically, you need to show that your neck problems limit your functioning and prevent you from working. Social Security assesses your residual functional capacity (RFC.)
Particularly, Social Security considers:
How long you can sit, stand, or walk at one time or in an 8-hour workday
How much weight you can lift or carry
Using your arms and hands for activities such as reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping, or grasping objects
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms, or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence, or pace
Cervical Neck Fusion And Social Security Disability
Here’s an example of cervical neck fusion and SSD:
Anne injured her neck in a car accident. She required a cervical spinal fusion surgery. Despite surgery, she continued to have severe pain and difficulty moving her neck. She also still had problems using her hands due to numbness and tingling. Social Security determined that she could not lift or carry more than ten pounds but could sit for six hours. Additionally, Social Security found that she had serious problems using her hands throughout the day. Therefore, she was unable to do even simple seated jobs. As a result, Anne was approved for disability benefits.
Social Security Grid Rules
Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational Guidelines to evaluate your disability claim. These guidelines are known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Social Security understands that it may be harder for older people to do new or different work. They will look at the grid rules if your impairments do not meet the conditions under the Social Security medical listings.
Cervical Neck Fusion And The Grid Rules
Here is an example of the grid rules for Cervical Neck Fusion:
Brad, a 57-year-old man previously worked as a janitor. He filed for disability because he developed degenerative disc disease in his neck. He had cervical spine surgery. Unfortunately, he continued to have pain in his neck. His doctor told him he couldn’t lift more than 10 pounds. Social Security found he couldn’t perform the duties required to be a janitor. Under the grid rules, Social Security approved Brad’s claim.
What Medical Evidence Is Needed For Cervical Neck Fusion And Neck Impairments?
You must provide medical evidence to document any problems related to your neck problems. Generally, medical evidence includes your doctor’s treatment notes, test results, and imaging. Most importantly, you should have MRI evidence of your cervical spine.
Also, your doctor should document:
Any pain with movement of your bones or joints
Problems moving your neck
Problems using your hands
Difficulty traveling to places without assistance
Difficulty performing activities of daily living such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, using public transportation, bathing, or getting dressed
What Are RFC Forms?
An RFC form can clearly explain how your conditions impact your functioning. Having your doctor complete an RFC form can be very helpful. After all, they should know more about your health than anyone else. An RFC form should be very detailed. It should indicate all your medical symptoms and conditions. It should also include all of your treatment and any side effects from medications. An experienced disability advocate can provide these forms to you.
Disability Help Group Can Help You
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
