There have been applicants who were approved at age 24. It is entirely possible to get approved at any age. But the Social Security Administration does consider being older to be a possible impediment to getting trained for something new, if one can no longer do what they were doing. Here's a link: Is Age a Factor in Social Security Disability Claims? | Disability Secrets

An excerpt:

"Social Security has set up age categories to help with the disability decision process. Individuals who are 18 to 44 are considered young individuals, those 45-49 are "younger" individuals, those 50-54 are considered to be closely approaching advanced age, individuals who are 55 and over are considered advanced age, and individuals 60-65 are considered closely approaching retirement age. . . . . . .

Social Security medical-vocational rules, however, are most favorable to individuals who are 55 and older. If an individual is 55 or older and is limited even to light work, or less than a full range of medium work, they may be approved for disability even if they have a high school education and their prior work was unskilled or their skills are not transferable. Social Security expects a worker to take on very little vocational adjustment at this age."

It is also very true that many individuals have gotten approved without any help from an attorney or advocate. However many, many individuals get turned down because they don't understand what the SSA needs to hear, or they miss deadlines for getting certsin things done. Here's an article supporting the wisdom of having an attorney: https://www.disabilityadvisor.com/so...rity-benefits/

An excerpt:

"Attorneys who are experienced in claims for Social Security Disability can be invaluable to your success in being awarded Social Security benefits for disability. They are experienced in communicating with your physicians and past employers to facilitate collection of information pertinent to your claim.

They know the law, so when they review the facts of your case—your medical history and your work history—they see clearly which aspects of your situation meet the requirements of Social Security Disability law. As a result, the details that count get emphasized in your original claim, raising the likelihood of your being approved and avoiding having to appeal."

I totally agree that having a good paper trail is a big asset that helps with having success in the process. Some people have great skill at being well organized and gathering all the available documentation. Being depressed can reduce a person's efficiency and ability to stay highly organized. The clerks at a law firm can be very helpful at doing the grunt work of contacting all providers of treatment and pestering them, until they comply with rewuests for records.

Here's a link that I think makes a good point: Can a Social Security Disability Attorney Speed Up a Case? | Disability Secrets

An excerpt:

"An attorney or disability advocate's expertise in knowing what Social Security is looking for can help to increase your chances of winning at the initial application process. If you can find an attorney to represent you at this stage, the lawyer can:
fill out your application so that it clearly demonstrates how you "meet a listing" (or equal a listing) or are not able to perform any work
gather proper medical evidence to show that you have the medical impairments you claim to have
request aid from your doctor in a way that will help your case. (Social Security looks for specific terminology; an attorney can make your physician aware of such terminology so that the doctor can use the terminology, if medically appropriate) . . . . . "