Social Security Grid Rules

The Grid Rules are a set of rules the Social Security uses when a disability applicant doesn't meet a medical impairment listing.  However, the disability applicant must still have a severe medically determinable impairment, must not be engaged in substantial gainful activity, and the impairment must prevent the ability to do past work duties.  The Grid Rules combine the individuals age, education, and work experience, with their residual functional capacity to determine whether a finding of disability is appropriate.  An individuals residual functional capacity is their maximum work capabilities broken down into four categories: sedentary, light, medium, heavy, or very heavy work.

• Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying small objects 1/3 of the day.  Although a sedentary work is defined as one which involves sitting, occasional walking and standing is also necessary.
• Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds 2/3 of the day.  Light work also requires a good deal of walking, along with pushing and pulling of levers. 
• Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.  Medium work also requires frequent bending and stooping and in an 8 hour work day, with 6 hours of standing or walking.