The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing a major update to how it determines eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although the proposal isn’t finalized, experts say the new rules could significantly change how Americans — particularly those in physically demanding jobs — qualify for support.

What’s Changing

The SSA plans to overhaul its reliance on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a job catalog created in the 1930s and last updated in 1991. Officials say replacing this outdated data will bring disability evaluations closer to modern job realities, as explained by the Urban Institute.

Another proposed change focuses on reducing how much a person’s age affects their disability claim. Under current “grid rules,” workers age 50 and older receive additional consideration because retraining or transitioning to new types of work can be difficult later in life. Under the new framework, older applicants may be evaluated more like younger ones, meaning they would need to prove they cannot perform any available work to qualify. This shift was first outlined in reporting by ProPublica.

Who Could Be Affected

Analysts at the Urban Institute estimate the proposed changes could reduce eligibility for new SSDI applicants by as much as 20 percent overall — and up to 30 percent for older workers. Those reductions are expected to hit hardest in industries built on physical labor, including construction, manufacturing, and mining, where workplace injuries are more common and retraining options are limited.

Reporting from the Kentucky Lantern adds that workers in states with fewer local disability programs, often rural or economically distressed regions, may feel the greatest impact. In these areas, federal disability benefits serve as a vital safety net when injuries prevent long-term employment.

Despite the scope of the proposal, the SSA’s disability trust fund remains separate from the main Social Security retirement fund and is considered stable through at least the end of the century. As ProPublica notes, this means the rule is being introduced not out of financial necessity, but to “modernize” how eligibility is determined.

Why the SSA Says It’s Needed

SSA officials argue that disability programs must evolve alongside today’s changing labor market. With far fewer manufacturing jobs and far more service, tech, and remote work opportunities, updating the job classifications should make evaluations more accurate and consistent. The agency has emphasized that its goal is to ensure decisions reflect the real employment landscape, according to recent statements on SSA.gov.

The administration also argues that modern data will reduce errors and help ensure benefits are awarded only when no suitable jobs exist for a claimant’s condition. Critics, however, including policy researchers at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, warn that the new rules could overlook the challenges older or rural workers face in retraining or adapting to desk-based jobs.

Key Numbers at a Glance

According to a U.S. House press release, the average SSDI recipient is 56 years old and receives about $19,000 per year in benefits. With projected eligibility declines of up to 30 percent, tens of thousands of older applicants could lose access under the new criteria.

The SSA has not yet confirmed an implementation date, but the formal rule proposal is expected by the end of 2025, as detailed by ProPublica.

What It Means for Workers

For employees in physically demanding jobs, these adjustments could make it harder to qualify for disability benefits — particularly for those nearing retirement age. A 58-year-old warehouse worker recovering from a spinal injury, for example, may no longer be presumed unable to transition into other forms of work simply because of age.

For employers and safety managers, the proposed rule underscores the importance of injury prevention and occupational health planning. If fewer injured workers can access SSDI, more will rely on private insurance, employer accommodations, or workers’ compensation programs. Investing in ergonomic safety, retraining, and return-to-work programs may become even more critical in the coming years.

What We Still Don’t Know

The final rule text has not been published, so details about how age weighting will change remain uncertain. It’s also unclear whether current beneficiaries will be affected or only new applicants. Analysts caution that the outcome will depend heavily on broader economic conditions, such as the number of available light-duty and remote jobs. The American Progress policy center points out that even “sedentary” work isn’t always accessible to older workers in rural areas lacking training or technology infrastructure.

The Bottom Line

The SSA’s proposal represents one of the most significant overhauls of disability rules in decades. Supporters view it as a practical modernization of a system that hasn’t kept pace with the economy. Critics warn it could restrict benefits for older, injured, or rural workers who may not have realistic alternatives.

Until the full rule is released, both workers and employers should stay informed. For anyone uncertain about how these changes could impact their rights or future eligibility, it may be wise to seek legal guidance. Contact our national long term disability insurance attorneys today to learn more about your options under the evolving federal standards.