Historically, the ability to speak English has come into play for claimants under their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications. However, under a recent rule, Social Security will no longer consider inability to communicate in English to be a factor in evaluating whether someone is disabled. SSA will, however, continue to look at education levels when determining disability.
Who Does This Impact?
This change is likely to have the greatest impact on claimants under 55. Currently, if you are between the ages of 45-49 and limited to sedentary work, your inability to communicate in English could be the difference between a finding of disabled and a finding of not disabled. Similarly, if you are between the ages of 50-54 and limited to light work, your inability to communicate in English could mean the difference between a favorable decision and an unfavorable one. However, as of April 2020, this will no longer be the case as inability to communicate in English will no longer be a factor in determining disability.
A changing workforce was one of the reasons given for this change, with government officials noting, “We no longer consider English proficiency to be an appropriate proxy for assessing an individual’s education level as part of our disability determination process.”
Education Levels
Even though ability to communicate in English will no longer be considered, SSA will still consider education levels when making disability determinations. Generally speaking, your age and education level can sometimes have an impact on whether your disability claim results in a favorable decision.
Need Help?
If you are disabled and unable to work, contact a local attorney today to assist with your claim for SSDI or SSI benefits.