General Overview- SSA Medical Vocational Guidelines (The Grids)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a set of rules known as the Medical Vocational Guidelines, commonly referred to as the Grids, to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. These guidelines serve as a framework for SSA adjudicators to assess how an individual’s age, education, work experience, and medical limitations affect their ability to work.

This guide provides an overview of the Grids and explains how they apply to disability claims before exploring age-specific considerations.

What Are the Grids?

The SSA Grids are a structured chart-based system designed to evaluate disability claims based on age, education, and previous work experience in relation to an individual’s medical impairments.

The purpose of the Grids is to standardize disability determinations by providing a clear-cut method for assessing whether a claimant can engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)—meaning whether they can work enough to earn a living despite their impairments.

The Grids acknowledge that as workers age, their ability to transition to new jobs and acquire new skills decreases. They aim to ensure that individuals who have spent years working in physically demanding jobs are not unfairly expected to retrain for completely different careers in later life.

How the SSA Grids Work

The Grids categorize claimants based on three primary factors:

Exertional Categories (Physical work ability)
Age Categories (Impact of age on work adaptability)
Education & Transferability of Skills (How skills impact job transition)

1. Exertional Categories (Physical Work Ability)

The SSA evaluates an individual’s residual functional capacity (RFC)—which measures how much physical exertion they can handle. The SSA classifies work into four levels:

Heavy Work: Lifting over 50 pounds; requires significant physical labor.
Medium Work: Lifting up to 50 pounds; still involves moderate physical activity.
Light Work: Lifting up to 20 pounds; involves less strenuous tasks.
Sedentary Work: Primarily sitting; limited lifting (10 pounds or less).

If an individual is unable to perform Medium Work or higher, their chances of SSDI approval increase, particularly for older applicants.

Example:

If an applicant is limited to Light Work, SSA assumes they can also perform Sedentary Work.
If an applicant cannot perform Medium Work, their approval chances improve if they meet other Grid criteria.

2. Age Categories (Impact of Age on Work Adaptability)

Age is a crucial factor in SSDI decisions because older workers have a harder time transitioning into new jobs. The SSA recognizes this reality by dividing claimants into four key age groups:

Under Age 50 (Younger Individuals): SSA assumes younger individuals can adapt to new work despite impairments.
Approaching Advanced Age (50-54): Some leniency is given, but the ability to work remains a significant factor.
Advanced Age (55-59): The Grids become more favorable for those unable to perform Medium Work.
Approaching Retirement Age (60-67): The most favorable category—transferability of skills plays a critical role in determining eligibility.

Older applicants (55 and up) typically have an easier time qualifying under the SSA Grids, particularly if they cannot perform past work or transition to a new career.

3. Education & Transferability of Skills (How Skills Impact Job Transition)

The Grids also evaluate education and job skills, as these factors determine how easily a person can switch to other types of work.

Higher education and transferable job skills reduce the likelihood of SSDI approval.
Limited education or lack of transferable skills increases approval chances.

Education Levels Considered by SSA:

Marginal education (6th grade or lower) – Strongest case for SSDI approval.
Limited education (7th - 11th grade) – More favorable if skills aren’t transferable.
High school graduate (without recent job training) – Skills assessment determines SSDI eligibility.
High school graduate (with recent job training) – May reduce chances of approval.

Transferability of Skills:

The SSA evaluates whether a claimant’s previous work skills can transfer to a less physically demanding job. If SSA finds that skills are transferable, SSDI approval is less likely.

For example:

A construction worker with a limited education and no transferable skills has a strong case for SSDI.
A paralegal with transferable administrative skills may be denied benefits if they can still perform desk jobs.

Why the SSA Grids Matter in Disability Claims

The SSA uses the Grids to streamline disability determinations, allowing examiners to assess eligibility quickly.

If your claim “grids out,” it means you meet SSA’s pre-determined criteria for disability approval due to age, education, and exertional limitations.

However, not all cases are straightforward. SSDI decisions depend on how medical evaluators classify your functional capacity, which is why having a skilled disability attorney can be crucial in ensuring the correct exertional level is assigned.

How Andrus Law Can Help

Navigating SSA disability claims can be complicated, but Andrus Law Firm PLC specializes in helping individuals understand how the SSA Grids apply to their unique situations.

Why Choose Andrus Law?

Decades of SSDI Experience – Attorney Darrin J. Andrus has successfully represented hundreds of clients.
Expert Knowledge of SSA Grid Rules – We help position your case for the strongest approval chances.
Comprehensive Legal Guidance – From initial application to appeals, we support you every step of the way.
Personalized Case Strategies – We analyze your age, work history, and exertional limits to build the strongest possible claim.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you are struggling with an SSDI claim, contact Andrus Law Firm today to see how we can help. Our team is dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve.

Next Steps: Age-Specific Grid Considerations

Now that you understand the general framework of the SSA Grids, click below to explore how they apply to different age groups:

SSDI Key Terms
SSDI Guidelines for Ages 18-49
SSDI Guidelines for Ages 50-54
SSDI Guidelines for Ages 55-59
SSDI Guidelines for Ages 60-67