How does the SSA assess the impact of disability on the ability to perform past work?

When determining eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates the impact of disability on the ability to perform past work through a comprehensive assessment process.

Disability Assessment

The SSA considers various vocational factors and functional limitations in assessing how a disability affects an individual's ability to perform past work.

Work Capacity Evaluation

A crucial aspect of the evaluation is analyzing the individual's work history, including the skills and responsibilities involved in past work roles.

Disability Severity Analysis

The SSA assesses the severity of the disability and its impact on the individual's capacity to perform tasks required in past work settings.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for disability benefits, the SSA looks at whether the disability significantly impairs the individual's ability to perform past work and any other work in the national economy.

Disability Determination

Based on the assessment of the disability's impact on past work performance, the SSA determines if the individual meets the criteria for disability benefits.

Overall, the SSA carefully evaluates the effect of disability on an individual's ability to perform past work by considering various vocational and functional factors to make an informed eligibility determination.