At Johnson & Biscone in Oklahoma City, our attorneys have decades of experience guiding people through this process and know how these rules can affect your case.
What Are the SSA Grid Rules?
The SSA grid rules are a set of guidelines that help decide whether an applicant qualifies for disability benefits. They are most often applied when your condition prevents you from doing your past work, but the SSA must determine if you could adjust to another type of job.
The rules take into account your age, education, past work experience, and what kind of work you might still be able to perform, such as sedentary or light work.
How the Rules Affect Older Workers
Once you turn 50, the grid rules begin to shift in your favor. The reasoning is simple: the older you are, the harder it is to retrain or move into a new career, especially if your work history involves physical labor.
For example, a 55-year-old with limited education and a background in heavy jobs may be found disabled even if technically capable of doing less demanding work. The SSA recognizes that moving from construction to a desk job is not always realistic.
By the time someone reaches 60, the rules become even more favorable. The older you are, the more weight is given to your work background, and the fewer expectations there are for retraining.
Why Legal Guidance Helps
Even with the grid rules, disability cases are rarely simple. Many applications are denied the first time. Having an attorney who knows how to present your medical evidence and work history in the context of these rules can make a difference.
At Johnson & Biscone, you will work directly with an experienced lawyer who understands how the SSA evaluates older workers.
Call Johnson & Biscone Today
You do not need to handle the SSA on your own. Call Johnson & Biscone in Oklahoma City at 405-232-6490 to schedule your case review.
