SSDI Work Evaluation: How SSA Decides If You Can Still Work

Work
Written By Jacky Writes

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered how the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides whether you can return to work despite your medical condition, the answer lies in a mix of federal data and vocational expertise. SSA relies on two cornerstone tools: the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and its companion, the Selected Characteristics of Occupations (SCO). These resources, combined with your personal work history and medical limitations, help SSA determine your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

How SSA Uses the DOT and SCO

The DOT, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, catalogs thousands of occupations, each with detailed descriptions of the job’s physical and mental demands. Its companion, the SCO, provides more granular data—think of it as a job's fine print, such as how often you must stoop, whether the role involves detailed instructions, or the level of reasoning required.

SSA uses these references to compare your abilities—your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)—with the requirements of jobs you’ve performed in the past and jobs that might exist in the national economy. Even if you're unable to return to your previous work, SSA assesses whether there are other jobs you could still perform.

Past Relevant Work (PRW)

Past Relevant Work (PRW) plays a key role in the vocational evaluation process. According to SSA guidelines, PRW includes jobs:

  • Performed within the last 15 years

  • Lasted long enough for you to learn them adequately

  • Were performed at the level of substantial gainful activity (SGA)

The SSA compares your RFC to the demands of your PRW using DOT and SCO data. If you can still perform any of those jobs, your claim may be denied. However, if your impairments prevent you from doing your PRW, SSA moves to the next step: evaluating whether you can adjust to other work.

Understanding Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

RFC is essentially your functional resume. It describes what you can still do physically and mentally despite your medical impairments. SSA looks at:

  • Physical abilities (e.g., standing, lifting, walking)

  • Mental capabilities (e.g., memory, attention, ability to follow instructions)

  • Environmental tolerances (e.g., sensitivity to noise or temperature)

Medical records, physician opinions, and sometimes consultative exams contribute to your RFC assessment. SSA then matches your RFC against the DOT and SCO to determine job compatibility.

Transferable Skills and New Work Possibilities

If you can’t do your past work, SSA will consider whether you have skills that could transfer to new, less demanding jobs. Transferable skills are usually learned in skilled or semi-skilled work and must be usable in a new job without extensive training.

For example:

  • A data entry clerk with limited lifting ability may still perform other sedentary clerical roles.

  • A mechanic with back issues may not transfer well unless their skills are also applicable in supervisory or instructional roles.

SSA uses vocational experts during hearings to evaluate transferability using DOT and SCO job descriptions.

Common Mistakes in Vocational Evaluations & How to Avoid Them

Applicants often overlook how important accurate job descriptions and medical documentation are. Mistakes to avoid:

  • Underreporting the physical demands of past work

  • Not providing detailed job duties

  • Failing to document mental limitations or environmental restrictions

Tip: Provide thorough job descriptions and keep a detailed record of all your limitations. This strengthens your RFC analysis.

Expert Tips to Strengthen Your SSDI Claim

  • Consult with a vocational expert or disability advocate early in the process, especially if your case involves skilled work.

  • Gather job descriptions from your previous employers or professional references.

  • Document your daily limitations to support your RFC assessment.

  • Submit medical evidence that clearly outlines your physical and mental restrictions in a format SSA can use.

What to Expect if SSA Says You Can Work

If SSA believes you can do your PRW or other work based on your RFC and transferable skills, your claim may be denied. You have the right to appeal. At the hearing level, a vocational expert (VE) will testify about what jobs you can still perform. It’s crucial to challenge incorrect VE assumptions and clarify your actual job demands and limitations.

Summary

SSA uses more than just medical records to make a decision—they look at your entire work profile through tools like the DOT and SCO. Understanding how your past work, current limitations, and transferable skills fit into this system can empower you during your SSDI claim. Clear documentation, expert support, and accurate job information can make all the difference.



Disclaimer & AI Ethical Statement

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions. Consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice.

AI Ethical Statement: This article includes information sourced from government health websites, reputable academic journals, non-profit organizations, and is generated with AI. A human author has substantially edited, arranged, and reviewed all content, exercising creative control over the final output. People and machines make mistakes. Please contact us if you see a correction that needs to be made.

References

Jacky Writes