What Are the Grid Rules in Social Security Disability Cases

What Are the “Grid Rules” in Social Security Disability Cases?

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you may hear the term: “the Grid Rules.”  This sounds complicated, but the basic idea is actually fairly simple—and for some people, it can make the difference between being approved or denied.

What Are the Grid Rules?

The “Grid Rules” are a set of guidelines used by the Social Security Administration to determine whether someone is disabled based on their ability to work.

They come into play after Social Security determines:

• you are not working at a significant level
• you have a severe medical condition
• and you do not meet a listing

At that point, Social Security looks at whether you can perform other work—and this is where the Grid Rules are used.

What Factors Do the Grid Rules Consider?

The Grid Rules look at four main factors:

1. Your age
2. Your education
3. Your past work experience
4. Your physical ability to work (sedentary, light, etc.)

These factors are then applied to a chart—or “grid”—to determine whether you are considered disabled.

Why Age Matters

One of the most important factors in the Grid Rules is your age.  Social Security recognizes that:

• it is generally easier for younger individuals to adjust to new work
• it becomes more difficult to transition to new types of work as you get older

Because of this, the rules become more favorable as you age.

For example:

• individuals over 50
• and especially those over 55

may qualify for disability benefits under the Grid Rules even if they are still capable of performing some types of limited work.

As an Example-let’s say someone:

• is over 50
• has done heavy physical labor their entire life
• has limited education
• and can now only perform sedentary work due to a medical condition

Under the Grid Rules, Social Security may determine that this person is disabled, because realistically they are not expected to transition into a completely different type of job.

Why the Grid Rules Are Important

The Grid Rules are important because they recognize a simple truth-not everyone has the same ability to start over in a new type of work.

Two people with the same medical condition may receive different outcomes depending on their:

• age
• work history
• education

The Grid Rules are one of the most important—but least understood—parts of the Social Security Disability process.

Even if you do not meet a listing, you may still qualify for benefits based on how your condition, combined with your background, affects your ability to work.

If you or someone you care for has recently been denied Social Security Disability benefits, or if you just have questions about your right to disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced  Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live. And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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What Are the Grid Rules in Social Security Disability Cases