When you’re unable to work due to a disability, the process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can seem overwhelming. The severity of your medical condition is certainly important, but many applicants are also surprised to learn that your work history plays a significant role in the application process.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates not only whether you are disabled, but also how your disability affects your ability to perform the job you did in the past and could do in the future. Our SSDI attorneys at Tabak Law understand how to use your work history as evidence to support your claim for approval.
The SSA’s Definition of Disability: The Foundation of Your Claim
To qualify for SSDI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSI (Supplementary Social Insurance), your condition must meet the strict definition of disability set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to the SSA’s Blue Book, your condition should:
- Be severe, significantly limiting your ability to perform basic work activities;
- Last for at least a year, or be expected to result in death;
- Prevent you from engaging in any type of “substantial gainful activity”, including your past work.
Most initial claims are rejected because the Social Security Administration (SSA) believes that the applicant can return to their previous job or find other employment. That is why a detailed analysis of your work history is the most powerful tool for you.
The Critical 15-Year Work History Review
When evaluating your claim, the Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts a thorough review of the jobs you have held over the past 15 years leading up to your disability. This is not just a list of employers, but a detailed analysis of the physical and mental demands of each position. A social security adjudicator will categorize your past work based on the specific requirements and skills required for each role.
The key question is: does your medical condition, as assessed by your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), prevent you from doing any of the jobs you did during that 15-year period? Your RFC is a rating that shows your remaining abilities despite your limitations. It can only be sedentary, light, or medium work. If the Social Security Administration determines that you can still perform your past job, your claim will be denied.
Transferable Skills and the “Grid Rules”
If you are unable to return to your previous job, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will then consider whether the skills you acquired in those roles can be transferred to other, less demanding positions. This concept of “transferable skills” is often used as a reason for denying benefits. For instance, skills gained from a physically demanding position may be applicable to a more sedentary management role.
To make this determination, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a framework known as the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, also referred to as “the grid”. This grid takes into account your residual functional capacity (RFC), age, education, and work experience to determine whether you are considered disabled or not.
For example, an applicant over the age of 55 with limited education and a history of unskilled work may be found to be disabled under the grid guidelines, even if they still have some ability to perform light work. However, a skilled Milwaukee Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lawyer can argue on your behalf about how the grid applies to your specific situation.
The Non-Medical Hurdle: Work Credits for SSDI
Your work history also determines your financial eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through a system of “work credits”. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need, SSDI is an insurance program that you fund through payroll taxes. To be insured for benefits, you must have earned a certain number of work credits.
Typically, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last ten years ending with the year you became disabled (the requirements are slightly different for younger workers). This usually translates to approximately five years of full-time employment out of the past decade.
Why Legal Help Matters
Most SSDI claims are initially denied, often due to misinterpretation of work history or RFC assessments. A skilled SSDI attorney can:
- Accurately document your relevant work history,
- Challenge the Social Security Administration’s assumption that you are capable of performing past or alternative work,
- Obtain a supportive RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) assessment from your treating doctor, and
- Present persuasive vocational evidence during your hearing.
Don’t Navigate the Complex SSDI Process Alone
If you have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or are considering applying for them, don’t leave your financial future to chance. Our experienced Milwaukee SSDI lawyers at Tabak Law can help you build a strong case based on your work history and medical records. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you in securing the benefits you deserve.