What are Grid Rules for Social Security Disability

What are the Social Security Over 50 Grid Rules?

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) grid rules are a set of rules known as the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, which can be applied to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims filed by applicants over the age of 50. Individuals who are 50 or older are more likely to be approved for disability benefits. However, in situations where their conditions do not meet the necessary medical qualifications, they may still be eligible for SSDI if the grid rules are factored in.

The grid rules for SSDI are in place because the SSA recognizes the fact that while older individuals may be able to perform sedentary work and therefore, take part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), it is still much more difficult for these individuals to obtain work than it is for younger individuals.

If you are interested in learning more about the SSA’s grid rules, continue reading, or reach out to our Social Security lawyers in Philadelphia.

What Factors are Assessed Under the SSDI Grid Rules?

There are several factors the SSA takes into account when determining whether the grid rules will apply to a claim. These are as follows:

• Age – Disability applicants must be at least 50 years old for the grid rules to apply. The SSA will also further evaluate your eligibility based on whether you are between the ages of 50-54, 55-59, or 60 or older.
• Education – The SSA will assess your education level. Applicants who have received less education in their lifetime would naturally find it harder to apply for jobs and have fewer options available to them.
• Prior Work Experience – Your prior work experience dictates your skill level, which the SSA defines as follows: Unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled.
• RFC – Your residual functional capacity defines your exertional limitations and what types of jobs you can perform, such as light or medium exertion level jobs compared to sedentary work only.

Additionally, when the Social Security Disability grid rules are applied to a disability claim, the SSA will use your work history to determine whether you can perform jobs now that are similar or related to those you were performing previously. In other words, they determine whether or not you can use the skills you already have to continue earning income.

Your RFC involves the assessment of your medical records to determine your physical capabilities. This allows the SSA to categorize the level of work you can do, which will fall under one of the following:

• Sedentary Work
• Light Work
• Medium Work
• Heavy or Very Heavy Work

Trying to find out if you are eligible for disability benefits can be extremely difficult. It’s even harder when you assume you will be denied because you are capable of working, but it’s extremely unlikely that you will ever find a job.

If you are struggling to obtain SSDI benefits and you are over the age of 50, reach out to our Philadelphia Social Security Disability lawyers today!

Contact Leventhal Sutton & Gornstein – Your Disability Attorneys in Pennsylvania

If you need help from trusted SSD attorneys in or near Philadelphia, PA, then contact us at Leventhal Sutton & Gornstein to schedule a free case evaluation. We can help you get the SSDI benefits you need and deserve.

Call us at (215) 357-3300 and speak with some of the best Social Security Disability lawyers in Philadelphia today.