You Must Give Social Security Disability Your Work History When You ApplyAlthough Social Security has access to your work history as far as where you have worked and how much you have earned, if you are applying for disability you must supply them with a bit more information for the purpose of evaluating the vocational aspects of your claim. Social Security Disability (SSD) is awarded to those with physical or mental conditions that prevent them from performing past work (any job held by the applicant within the past 15 years) or any other work to which they may be suited. Before a disability examiner can make a decision on a claim, he must know not just where the applicant has worked, but the particular duties associated with his or her past employment positions. In this way a disability examiner can evaluate and classify the types of work an applicant is capable of performing, and use this information to determine if there is any job the applicant may be capable of doing, despite limitations imposed by his or her impairment(s). Some people are awarded disability because their medical records indicate they meet a particular listing in the blue book (the official Social Security Administration [SSA] guide to the impairments it recognizes as disabling in nature); however, the majority of those applying for disability do not meet a listing. Those who do not meet a listing in the blue book can still collect disability payments in the form of a medical vocational allowance. Medical vocational allowances are given to those who, though they do not meet an official listing, are still judged to be severely impaired and thus incapable of earning a substantial living. The work history should not be viewed as an inconvenience, but an opportunity. In supplying a complete work history to the disability examiner, the applicant has an opportunity to spell out exactly what skills he has employed in the past rather than leaving it up to the disability examiner to guess at what he is capable of doing. Since the majority of disability denials are based on an examiner's belief that, although the claimant is impaired, he could still perform some type of past work or other work, it is in your best interest to be as specific as possible in the work history you submit to Social Security (form SSA-3369). Be sure to comply with any additional requests for information as failure to do so could mean a denial based on failure to cooperate with the examiner deciding your claim. Those who are deemed capable of performing a past job or who appear to have the ability to perform other work despite their physical or mental limitations will be denied benefits. In general, those who are younger, more educated, or have acquired job skills that are in demand in today's job market are less likely to be awarded disability payments. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How far back will SSI disability pay? Automatic Disability Conditions for Social Security and SSI Should I have a lawyer working on my disability case? Strengthening your disability case by providing the details of your work history What does Social Security Disability Need to Know about your Work History and Jobs? You Must Give Social Security Disability Your Work History When You Apply Will Social Security Decide That I can go Back to My Old Job? What does social security mean by past work? What does social security mean by other work? For Social Security Disability and SSI, What Does It Mean When A person Can Only Do Sedentary Work? How does Social Security Disability Decide if you can Work or Not? Social Security Disability Waiver of Overpayment Can you get a quick disability approval in Missouri How long does it take for a disability decision in missouri? Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Missouri? |
