Posted in Uncategorized on November 19, 2025
Proposed Social Security Disability Rule Change Could Harm Older Americans
Conchin Cole Jordan & Sherrod Social Security Disability Attorney, Brent Jordan explains.
A Major Social Security Disability Change Is on the Table
A new regulation proposed by the current administration could dramatically impact how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are decided—especially for older Americans.
This proposed rule would remove age as a vocational factor in disability determinations, meaning individuals aged 50, 55, or 60 and older may no longer receive the additional consideration they currently receive when applying for disability benefits.
According to Conchin Cole Jordan & Sherrod’s disability attorney Brent Jordan, this change could result in tens of thousands of older adults being denied benefits or even losing benefits they’ve already been approved for.
Let’s break down what this means, why age is such a significant factor, and how this rule could impact millions of people nationwide.
Why Age Matters in Social Security Disability Cases
To be approved for Social Security Disability, an applicant must prove two things:
- They have severe medical conditions that prevent them from performing their past work.
- They cannot easily transition to other available work in the national economy.
When determining whether someone can transition to other work, Social Security looks at:
- Education
- Transferable skills
- Medical and physical limitations
- Ability to adapt to new job tasks
- Age
Age has always been a central factor; as people age, it becomes increasingly challenging to perform physical work, learn new skills, or compete with younger workers.
Real-Life Example:
If you’re a healthy 60-year-old applying for a job alongside 20-year-olds, will age affect your hire-ability?
Absolutely. Social Security recognizes this reality—at least for now.
What the Proposed Rule Change Would Do
If Social Security removes age as a vocational factor:
- Older Disabled Workers Will Be Denied More Frequently
People who are:
50 years old
55 years old
60 years old or older
…would no longer receive the vocational protections currently built into Social Security’s disability evaluation system.
This means even if their medical conditions are severe, they may be told they can simply “adjust” to new work—regardless of the physical, cognitive, or skill-based challenges that come with aging.
- It Could Affect People Who Are Already Approved
One of the most alarming parts of the proposal is that it could lead to Social Security audits of previously approved claims.
Imagine being approved five years ago, relying on disability income, and then receiving a notice saying:
“We no longer consider age as a vocational factor. Since age played a role in your prior approval, you may no longer qualify.”
This could result in thousands of disabled older Americans losing their SSDI benefits.
- Tens of Thousands Could Lose Essential Income
If implemented, this rule change could lead to:
- Widespread denials of new claims
- Termination of existing SSDI benefits
- Increased poverty rates among older Americans
- Financial hardship for people who are medically unable to work
Why This Rule Change Hurts Older Americans
Removing age as a vocational factor ignores fundamental realities:
- Older bodies heal more slowly and fatigue more quickly
- Cognitive decline can affect job training and adaptation
- Many older workers can’t simply switch careers
- Age discrimination is real and well-documented
- Punishing people for aging is not only unreasonable—it’s harmful.
How Older Americans Can Fight Back
The best way to prevent this harmful rule from taking effect is through public pressure.
Attorney Brent Jordan encourages Americans to contact their elected officials:
- Call your congressman
- Email your senators
- Submit public comments
- Spread awareness on social media
Tell them:
Do NOT remove older age as a vocational factor.
Do NOT harm older Americans with disabilities.
Do NOT punish people for getting older.
Your voice matters—and widespread public response can stop this rule from becoming law.
If you have been waiting to apply for Social Security benefits, DON’T. Now is the time to do it.
If you are interested in talking to an attorney about this, contact Brent Jordan at Conchin Cole Jordan & Sherrod.
(256)705-7777