GRID Rules and Disability

The Social Security GRID rules may be a key factor in your disability claim, as they determine if you can transition to other work. These rules help establish if a person who is unable to perform prior work can perform some level of other work.

Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys explain Social Security GRID rules and how they impact disability.

What Are the SSA GRID Rules?

The SSA GRID rules create standards for evaluating an applicant’s residual functional capacity, or their ability to work, given their medical conditions, age, education, and work experience.

SSA GRID Rules Regulations and Charts

The SSA GRID charts are set out in the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 25025.035.

There are three different GRID tables—Table No. 1, Table No. 2, and Table No. 3—with categories based on how physically challenging the work is. The first table is for sedentary work, the second is for light work, and the third table is for medium work.

Social Security Disability GRID Charts

Note: For the Social Security Disability GRID charts, the following age designations apply:

• Ages 18-44 – Younger individual
• Ages 45-49 – Younger persons aged 45-49
• Ages 50-54 – Closely approaching advanced age
• Ages 55+ – Advanced age
• Ages 60+ – Closely approaching retirement age

(§ 404.1563)

Table No. 1 – GRID for Sedentary Work

Table No. 2 – GRID for Light Work

Table No. 3 – GRID for Medium Work

See Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404 – Medical-Vocational Guidelines, § 201.01-201.29, § 202.01-202.22, § 203.01-203.31.

Why isn’t there a GRID table for heavy-duty work?

If a person can perform heavy or very heavy work, a disability evaluation probably won’t get to the point of looking at residual functional capacity. The person will likely be able to do their past work or other physically demanding work. In that case, they are not going to be found disabled, and the reason for unemployment is likely something else. Even if they may be of advanced age and lacking education or skills, they are likely to be found not qualified for benefits without needing a chart evaluation.

When do the GRID rules apply?

If you have an impairment that meets or equals a listing as defined in the SSA Disability Blue Book, the GRID rules don’t apply. The SSA Disability Blue Book is a list of medical impairments that qualify a person for SSDI or SSI disability benefits. If you don’t meet or equal a listing, the GRID rules apply to determine whether you can perform any work that exists in the economy. A GRID rule can determine if a person is disabled or if they should be able to transition to other work.

Why do the GRID rules exist?

The GRID rules exist because disabilities and work requirements vary. A person may have a disability that prevents them from heavy lifting. However, they may be able to work in an office setting. The GRID rules evaluate a person’s remaining ability to work despite their disabilities, considering a person’s age, education, and work experience.

For example, someone who is younger or someone with an education may be able to transition to a different job easier than someone who is older and who lacks an advanced degree or other skills. The GRID rules allow disability examiners to evaluate claims uniformly, with guidance for determining a person’s ability to work.

Attorney Help for the GRID Rules

Understanding the GRID rules may be a critical part of getting your SSDI benefits. An attorney can evaluate and explain where you may fall in the GRID rules and can assist you in gathering the medical evidence to demonstrate your ability to perform work functions.

The GRID rules are one factor to consider in a complete Social Security Disability application.

For legal help with the GRID rules and your disability claim, contact Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys today.