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For SSD benefits, information about past work must be provided

On Behalf of | Oct 3, 2019 | Social Security Disability

When New Jersey residents are seeking Social Security disability benefits, they might have a vague understanding of the basic requirements to be approved. Of course, the person must be disabled with an injury, condition or illness that renders them unable to work. Still, there are subsets to the process that people might not be fully cognizant of and can be explained by a qualified legal professional experienced in the entire SSD benefits process.

The five-step process involves multiple factors that the Social Security Administration will consider when deciding on the case. The past work a person did is integral. The SSA must receive certain information about that past work so it can come to an informed determination. The applicant must let the SSA know about the work done in the previous 15 years. It must be described and its title should be given. Some jobs have similar names, but the duties can differ. The title is not enough to be considered an adequate description for the SSA’s purposes.

The following must be given to the SSA: the responsibilities the person had; the tasks that were part of the job; the time-frame in which the person worked there; how many hours a day the person worked each week; the pay; if there were tools, equipment and machinery used as part of the job; how much supervision there was; if the person was able to use independent judgment; if there was lifting, carrying and the weight of the objects; how the person used his or her extremities; if there was speaking, listening and sight necessary to do the work; and the environment at the workplace.

It is also important that the person inform the SSA as to how the medical issue hindered the work. If it was necessary to work less, receive assistance, take sick time, leave the work area and take rest breaks, this is key to a claim. The person should also give information as to when the medical issues started negatively impacting work, when the work could no longer be completed, when the person ceased working and why.

Being approved or denied Social Security often hinges on smaller factors than simply being disabled and unable to work. Failing to give the necessary information is often the reason a claim is denied. To ensure the claim is assessed accurately, the SSA must get all the information including the past work and more. A law firm that understands Social Security disability may be able to help.

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