Key Terms to Understand SSA Medical Vocational Guidelines (The Grids)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specialized set of rules known as the Medical Vocational Guidelines, or The Grids, to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Understanding these guidelines requires familiarity with certain key terms, many of which are specific to SSA disability determinations.

This glossary organizes essential SSDI-related terms into meaningful categories to help applicants, attorneys, and advocates navigate the process effectively.

1. SSA Disability Programs & Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

A federal program providing benefits to disabled individuals who have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes (FICA). SSDI eligibility is based on work history and medical disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A needs-based federal assistance program providing benefits to disabled, blind, and elderly individuals with limited income and resources. SSI eligibility is not based on work history.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The maximum monthly income a disabled individual can earn while still being considered for disability benefits. As of 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.

Disability Onset Date (DOD)

The date an individual’s disability began, as determined by medical records and SSA evaluations.

2. The SSA Medical Vocational Guidelines (The Grids)

Medical Vocational Guidelines (Grids)

A structured framework SSA uses to assess disability claims based on an applicant’s age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC). The Grids help determine whether an individual is capable of performing other types of work.

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

An assessment of an individual’s remaining ability to perform work-related tasks despite their medical condition. SSA evaluates RFC in terms of exertional, postural, and environmental limitations.

Exertional Capacity

A classification system used to determine how much physical work an individual can still perform. The categories are:

Sedentary Work: Primarily sitting, lifting up to 10 pounds.
Light Work: Frequent standing, lifting up to 20 pounds.
Medium Work: Lifting up to 50 pounds.
Heavy Work: Lifting over 50 pounds.

Vocational Factors

Elements used in SSDI determinations, including age, education, past work experience, and the ability to adjust to new work.

Transferable Skills

Work skills from past jobs that can be applied to different types of work. If an applicant has transferable skills, their claim for disability benefits may be denied under the Grids.

3. Age Categories in the SSA Grids

Younger Individuals (18-49)

SSA assumes younger individuals can more easily transition to new work, making SSDI approval more difficult.

Approaching Advanced Age (50-54)

Some leniency is given, recognizing that job retraining is more difficult.

Advanced Age (55-59)

The Grids become more favorable, especially if the claimant has limited education or no transferable skills.

Approaching Retirement Age (60-67)

The most favorable category for SSDI approval, as the SSA recognizes that individuals at this age struggle the most to transition to new work.

4. SSA Evaluation Process & Claim Status

5-Step Sequential Evaluation Process

The SSA follows a five-step approach to determine disability eligibility:

Are you currently working? (SGA evaluation)
Is your condition severe? (Significant impact on work ability)
Does your condition meet SSA’s Blue Book listings? (Pre-approved conditions)
Can you do your past work? (Based on work history)
Can you do any other work? (Based on age, education, and RFC)

Blue Book Listings

A medical guide used by SSA to identify conditions that qualify for automatic disability approval.

Denial & Appeals Process

If an SSDI claim is denied, applicants can appeal through four levels:

Reconsideration – Initial review by a different SSA evaluator.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – A formal appeal process.
Appeals Council Review – Higher-level SSA review.
Federal Court Review – Final step if previous appeals fail.

Work History Report

A form completed by the applicant detailing past jobs, duties, and physical requirements. SSA uses this information to assess exertional capacity and transferable skills.

5. Legal & Financial Considerations

Credits & Work History Requirements

SSDI applicants must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify. Work credits are earned based on income and FICA tax contributions.

Representative Payee

A person appointed to manage SSDI or SSI benefits for individuals unable to manage their finances.

Back Pay & Retroactive Benefits

SSDI applicants may receive back pay (benefits owed from the application date) and retroactive benefits (benefits covering the period before application, up to 12 months).

Conclusion

Understanding the SSA Medical Vocational Guidelines (The Grids) is critical to navigating the SSDI process. By considering factors like age, education, work history, and exertional capacity, the SSA determines whether an applicant can adjust to new work or qualifies for benefits.

If you need assistance with your SSDI claim, consulting an experienced disability attorney can greatly improve your chances of approval. At Andrus Law Firm, we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of SSDI claims and appeals.