Is Receiving Social Security Disability Based On Whether I Can Do My Current or Last Job?Yes, Social Security Disability is based on whether you can do your current or last job as well as any other kind of substantial work activity. Social Security uses a five-step sequential evaluation process that addresses work in step one and also in steps four and five. Step one of the sequential disability process deals with the performance of SGA level work activity. If you are working and earning more than the monthly SGA amount with no employer subsidy (special help or conditions provided by your employer to enable you to keep your job), your Social Security Disability claim will be denied. If you are performing SGA-level work activity, your Social Security Disability claim will be denied even if your disabling condition is terminal. If you are not working or performing SGA at a current job, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability if you are able to complete the rest of the sequential evaluation process. If you have not been found disabled through step three of the sequential evaluation process, your past work or jobs will become relevant for steps four and five of the process. In step four, a disability examiner must review the relevant jobs that you have performed in the past fifteen years. A relevant job is any job you performed in the last fifteen years that lasted at least three months, in which your earnings were above the SGA level, and for which you had time to learn the duties of the job. If the disability examiner determines that you are unable to do any of your past relevant work, considering the limitations caused by your disabling impairment, they still must move on to step five of the sequential evaluation process. Step five involves a determination as to whether or not you can do any other kind of work in the general economy. Disability examiners must consider your age, education, the transferability of your job skills, and your residual functional capacity (what you are capable of doing in spite if your limitations) to determine if you are able to do any other kind of work. You will only be able to receive Social Security Disability benefits if the disability examiner finds you to be unable to do any of your past work or any other kind of work. 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: Getting denied for disability in North Carolina and filing appeals Will Social Security Decide That I can go Back to My Old Job? Can You Apply For Disability Benefits When You Lose Your Job? Social Security Disability and the Job that You Worked Will You Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Cannot Work Your Old Job? Is Receiving Social Security Disability Based On Whether I Can Do My Current or Last Job? Does social security contact your former work employers when you file for disability? Qualifying for disability in California How do I apply for disability in Benefits in California Applying for Disability in California |
