It is possible to get Disability benefits before age 50, according to this specialist lawyer

Obtaining approval for Social Security Disability benefits in the United States is not an easy process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews each case very carefully, and in many cases, applications are denied if all requirements are not met. This can be frustrating, especially for young people under the age of 50.

The difficulty increases precisely before that age, as the evaluation criteria are stricter. The SSA assumes that if you are under 50, you can still adapt to another type of employment, even if you can no longer do the work you have been doing. However, this is not an absolute rule, and there are ways to obtain benefits even in these cases.

In fact, several disability law specialists say that it is possible to obtain benefits before age 50, provided that it is clearly justified and medically proven that the person is unable to work or return to work in another occupation. The key is how the information is presented and, above all, how to conclusively demonstrate physical or mental limitations.

The three most common ways to obtain disability before age 50

One of the best-known lawyers on social media for sharing advice on Social Security disability, Brad Thomas, has shared on TikTok the three most common reasons why the SSA grants this benefit to people under 50. These situations are more common than you might think, and could apply in many cases if explained correctly during the application or appeal process.

1. Inability to walk, sit, and stand for at least 8 hours: If your medical condition prevents you from maintaining any of these three positions—or a combination of them—throughout a typical workday, the SSA may consider you unable to perform full-time work. It is crucial that this information be supported by a medical report.
2. Missing work two or more days per month for medical reasons: This is another common reason for approval. If your health condition forces you to miss work on a recurring basis—whether because you are unwell at home or because you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital—this directly affects your ability to hold down a job. More than two absences per month is a significant indicator for the SSA.
3. Having to be absent between 15 and 20% of daylight saving time: When your illness causes you to leave work early, arrive late frequently, or take longer than normal medical breaks, this also counts. If these types of interruptions represent a fifth or more of your workday, it may be enough to prove that you cannot hold a steady job.

All of these arguments can be crucial when applying for disability before age 50, but they are not enough on their own without proper documentation. That’s why one of the most important recommendations from experts is to keep a record of your medical appointments, clinical reports, test results, and any documents that show how your condition impacts your daily life and work.

In addition, it is important to remember that although the maximum disability benefit in 2025 is $4,018 per month, not all beneficiaries receive the same amount. The monthly check varies depending on each person’s work history, previous income, and contributions to Social Security throughout their life. Therefore, even if two people have the same medical condition, they may be receiving different payments.

This medical file and the clarity with which the case is presented to the SSA court can make the difference between a rejected application and an approved one. The more solid and well-organized evidence you present, the more likely you are to get the financial help you need.