Importance of Listing “Past Work” When Applying for Illinois Social Security Disability

The phrase “past work” frequently comes up when dealing with Illinois social security disability cases. However, this isn’t exactly a great term because it’s pretty vague. What exactly does the Social Security Administration mean by “past work”?

 

Before we answer that question, it’s helpful to discuss the two methods in which someone can receive approval for Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits.

 

The most common way to get approval of Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits is to meet the several requirements of any listing. A listing is any of the physical or mental conditions that are detailed in the SSA Impairment Manual, which is also known as the “blue book.” The book contains nearly all the impairments and the requirements that must be met in order for a claimant to receive Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits.

 

And while those listings cover the conditions for most Illinois social security disability and SSI recipients, it would be nearly impossible for the blue book to cover every affliction. For those who have conditions that are not covered in the book and still think themselves eligible for Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits, there is a page in the blue book that lists “medical vocational approval.”

 

It’s here where past work becomes important. If a disability examiner or an Illinois social security disability judge finds that the claimant can not meet any of the requirements of conditions listed in the blue book, but thinks that the claimant may still be eligible for Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits, then the examiner or judge will review the claimant’s medical records and decide on the claimant’s “residual functional capacity.” This is simply an assessment of what work the claimant is capable of performing when their medical condition is taken into account.

 

When deciding this, the examiner or judge will delve into the claimant’s past work, or their past jobs and job duties. Then the claimant will be deemed capable of something like light work, sedentary work, or no work at all. When applying for Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits, particular attention is placed on the past 15 years of work history, with jobs that were performed for a year or longer taking precedence over jobs that were done for just a few weeks.

 

Past work is very important to the Illinois social security disability and SSI benefit procedure, especially if the claimant thinks he or she has a condition that is not covered in the blue book. It’s very important to supply a thorough and detailed work history when applying for Illinois social security disability or SSI benefits.

Tags: drummond law, Illinois Social Security, Illinois social security disability, Illinois Social Security Disability Attorneys