How Your Work History Impacts Your Social Security Disability Case
Your work history has an impact on your Social Security disability case—but do you know why?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. In this video, we will talk about the impact that your work history has on your Social Security disability case.
1. Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
Work history plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To qualify for SSDI, you generally need to have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes through your employment.
The number of work credits that are required depends on your age at the outset of your disability.
2. Your Work History Impacts the Calculation of Your Benefits
The amount of SSDI benefits that you receive can be influenced by your work history. Your average lifetime earnings, indexed for inflation, are used to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount. The Primary Insurance Amount determines the monthly benefit amount that you will receive if found eligible for SSDI benefits.
Higher earnings over your work history can result in a higher monthly benefit amount.
3. Work History and Vocational Evaluation
When evaluating your case, the Social Security Administration will:
- Classify your past relevant work
- Decide whether you can return to that work based on your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
If you cannot return to your past work, they may use your past work to determine whether you have transferable skills that can transfer to other work that can be performed within your RFC.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that while work history is a significant factor in SSDI cases, it is of course not the sole determining factor. Other factors—such as the severity of your disability and the impact on your ability to work—are also taken into consideration.
Consulting with a disability attorney can provide personalized guidance on how your work history may impact your specific Social Security disability case.
Thanks so much for watching!
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