NEW: The Trump administration is weighing changes that would tighten eligibility requirements for disability benefits, especially for older workers, according to a draft proposal from the Social Security Administration.
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The draft proposal would upend the way officials consider an applicant's age, education and past work experience when reviewing their disability claim.
Under current rules, older, less educated workers with limited work experience are more likely to qualify for benefits.
Under current rules, older, less educated workers with limited work experience are more likely to qualify for benefits.
Under the proposed rule change, officials wouldn't consider an applicant's age as a factor until he or she is 55, up from age 50 now. And it would no longer assume that older workers are unable to adjust to simple, entry-level work (among other changes).
Similar changes were considered during the George W. Bush administration (proposal would have increased age threshold by two years) and during Obama administration (SSA sought comment on potential changes).
Both efforts stalled following opposition from disability advocates.
Both efforts stalled following opposition from disability advocates.
