PAST RELEVANT WORK AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

At Step 4 of the sequential process, Social Security must determine whether the claimant is able to perform any of his/her past relevant work (PRW).

PRW is defined as any job the claimant has performed within the previous 15 years, and work which was
(A) performed at the level of substantial gainful activity, and
(B) performed long enough to learn how to do the work.

How does Social Security gather information about Past Relevant Work?  They use two methods:

First, during the application process, each claimant fills out a Work History Report in which they list each job and the duties associated with each one.  The claimant will describe how much each job required him/her to stand, walk, sit, lift, bend, stoop, reach, etc.
 
Also, during a hearing at the appeal level, the judge will take testimony from the claimant about each past relevant job.  

Finally, at the appeal hearing, the judge will obtain testimony from a vocational witness who will describe each job in terms of (a) the exertion level and (b) the skill level and amount of training required for each job. 

If the claimant has reached age 55, eligibility for disability benefits may hinge completely on whether he/she is able to perform any past relevant work.  For individuals below age 50, past relevant work may not be as critical to the outcome of the claim.

I recommend that each claimant for disability benefits fill out the Work History Report with accuracy and attention to detail.  
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The Forsythe Firm
7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
PHONE (256) 799-0297

"SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE"