Work experience and education are key in a disability claim

On Behalf of | Oct 21, 2024 | Social Security Disability

When San Diego residents are injured or suffer from an illness or condition that negatively impacts their ability to work and earn a living, they can apply for Social Security Disability benefits. When applying, there is a process they must follow.

If you are in this situation, you should remember that the Social Security Administration and its Disability Determination Services go step-by-step to see if an applicant meets the requirements before moving forward. There are five steps. The first three ask basic questions about your condition and circumstances.

The final two steps involve the work you can do despite the condition, if any, and if you can do other types of work. When applying for benefits, it is imperative to provide evidence to prove their case so you can be approved and receive the benefits you are seeking.

Steps 4 and 5 focus on work history, education and current capabilities

Once you have reached Step 4 in your case, you will need to discuss your past work experience. The SSA wants to know if your medical condition hinders you being able to work regularly. If it does but its severity does not meet the criteria on the Listings, the SSA will then analyze the residual functional capacity.

With the RFC, the evidence will be assessed to determine what types of activities you can do and how they are applicable to working. For example, if you experience symptoms when exerting yourself such as pain, feeling fatigued or becoming dizzy, then this would be important.

Even in sedentary jobs, there will be a level of exertion. Some people have a condition that causes them symptoms simply by sitting at a desk, standing for a brief time or carrying relatively light objects.

More advanced activities like climbing, balancing and lifting heavy objects would further reduce the types of jobs you can do. Many jobs require a person to be outside in the elements, be in extreme conditions like the cold, and deal with substances that could negatively impact your health.

Other factors include the senses – the ability to speak, hear, see and smell; concentrate; listen to instructions from supervisors and work with colleagues; and keep your concentration.

The SSA will look back at your past work in relation to your condition. It will generally cover the past five years prior to the start of the case. The substantial gainful activity you have done and if you worked long enough to know how to do the job are also considered. Once the work is found to be relevant, they will then look at your performance and the job’s status in the economy.

If your condition prevents you from doing the same kind of work you did before, the SSA will need to know if you can do other kinds of work. This is part of Step 5.

Your education and experience come to the forefront. Perhaps you worked in a job where you needed to exert yourself physically and you can no longer do that. However, you might have experience to be in a managerial capacity.

Education could involve schools you attended and training you received but never used as part of your job. Those with a limited education would impact their ability to do many jobs.

Age will be a consideration as someone who is nearing retirement age would have a tougher time adapting to a new career. People younger than 50 are not believed to face impediments in finding suitable work they can do.

Make sure you understand these factors and have assistance

Since the SSA has many questions when you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it is vital that you are fully prepared when you file your case. Simply because they are asking about past work and education does not mean your case will be denied. Still, if there are issues, you have options to appeal. Having guidance is essential from the beginning to make sure you have a good chance of being approved.