Older workers may find learning new skills and adapting to new workplaces challenging. So, Social Security Disability benefits can be a valuable supplemental income to replace their lost wages. This is especially true for those aged 60 and above. While not mandatory for all claimants, a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment can help a Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits case.
Advantages of a physical RFC
Having a physical RFC evaluation can offer many advantages. For example, it enables the Social Security Administration (SSA) to evaluate an older worker’s physical restrictions and limitations precisely. At the same time, an RFC serves as a report card indicating how much physical work a person can perform. In turn, the government can process and review their application in a more simplified manner. And they can consider their health status and ability to work. The four levels of work that an RFC can evaluate are:
- Sedentary: Work that usually involves sitting, with occasional standing and walking.
- Light: Work that requires standing or walking for most of the day. It may also involve occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Medium: Work that involves more intense lifting, pushing or pulling of things weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally, workers might lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
- Heavy: Work that requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more.
If someone can still do heavy work, they will not receive disability benefits. But if they are over 60, have no high school education and can only do sedentary or light work, they may be automatically approved for benefits.
Appealing a denial
Overall, older workers need to understand the vital role that an RFC evaluation plays in the process. Getting a physical RFC evaluation can help strengthen their case for benefits. And it may even help an appeal if the SSA denies their application.
Ultimately, a physical RFC on record helps to ensure that older workers receive the benefits they need for their health and well-being.
