What SSA Means by Past Relevant Work

Understanding SSA’s definition includes:

• Work done within the last 15 years that you performed long enough to learn the duties.
• Skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled jobs that are relevant to your current abilities.
• Jobs that demand significant physical or mental work-related activities.

Evaluating Your Ability to Perform Past Relevant Work

The SSA looks at:

• Your residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform tasks despite limitations.
• Job demands such as strength, skills, and mental requirements.
• Whether you can still perform those jobs as you did before or as they are typically done.

Impact on Disability Determination

The role of Past Relevant Work involves:

• If you can perform past relevant work, your claim may be denied.
• Inability to perform past relevant work supports a finding of disability.
• This evaluation helps SSA avoid awarding benefits when you can still work.

Types of Work Included

Considerations include:

• Jobs requiring substantial gainful activity done recently.
• Work done long enough for you to gain experience and skills.
• Both full-time and part-time work that meets SSA standards.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Note these nuances:

• Work performed before major changes in your physical or mental condition might still count.
• Unskilled jobs likely have different evaluations than skilled work.
• Often, SSA will also consider transferability of skills when relevant.

Importance of Accurate Work History

You should:

• Provide detailed job descriptions including tasks, duration, and skill level.
• Work with healthcare providers to document how disability limits your work abilities.
• Understand how any past work might impact your disability eligibility in Florida.