SSA Rejects Major Disability Rule Changes: How This Affects Older Applicants

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has backed away from a major proposed change to how disability eligibility is determined. According to AARP, the agency will not move forward with plans to reduce the importance of age in SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI decisions.

For many people relying on disability benefits, this is welcome news. At Green & Greenberg, we believe it’s critical to understand what happened — and what it means if you’re applying now or in the future.

What SSA Proposed and Why It Raised Alarms

Earlier in 2025, reports surfaced that SSA was considering sweeping regulatory changes. A major focus was on how “age” factors into disability determinations. AARP noted that the draft rule could have reduced the weight given to age for SSDI and SSI eligibility.

Here’s a breakdown of what SSA appeared to propose:

• • Limiting or eliminating age as a factor in determining whether someone qualifies for SSDI or SSI.
  • Overhauling the decades-old occupational directory used by SSA to evaluate which jobs a claimant might be able to do.

Analysis by policy experts suggested that lowering the role of age could significantly reduce SSDI access for older applicants. According to the Urban Institute, as cited by AARP, SSDI eligibility could drop by as much as 20% overall — and by up to 30% for people ages 50 and older.

If such changes passed, hundreds of thousands of disabled Americans could have lost benefit access or faced much stricter eligibility standards.

What This Means for Disability Claimants Now

So, what should SSDI or SSI applicants and recipients take from this? Here are key take-aways:

• • Age-based safeguards remain in place. For now, SSA will continue considering age and adaptability in its determinations.
  • Occupational evaluations aren’t being tightened. The feared overhaul of the jobs directory is off the table.
  • Advocacy works. The rollback came after strong pushback from advocacy groups and policy experts.

How Green & Greenberg Supports You

At Green & Greenberg, we’re committed to helping clients navigate a system that is both powerful and sometimes uncertain. Here’s how we help in light of these developments:

• • We stay on top of SSA rule changes so clients understand how policy shifts might affect them.
  • We build strong disability applications, using age, work history, and medical evidence effectively.
  • We represent clients through appeals if they face a denial—especially when policy uncertainty could complicate the process.
  • We provide ongoing guidance so disability recipients can respond quickly if SSA restarts similar proposals in the future.

If you’re applying for SSDI or SSI, or want to understand how SSA disability rule changes could affect your case, contact Green & Greenberg. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you build the strongest possible claim.