When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to evaluate your eligibility. Step four of this process is where the Past Relevant Work (PRW) rule comes into play—and it’s a common reason claims are denied.
What Is Past Relevant Work?
Past Relevant Work refers to any job you performed in the last 5 years before your disability began, if that work:
- Was substantial gainful activity (SGA)—meaning you earned enough and worked consistently,
- Lasted long enough for you to learn how to do it, and
- Was performed during the new 5-year relevant work period.
The SSA compares your current physical and mental abilities with the demands of your past jobs to determine if you can still perform that type of work.
Why It Matters
If the SSA finds that you can still do any of your past work, even with your current medical limitations, your claim will likely be denied at step four. It doesn’t matter whether your job is available or whether you’ve been laid off. The key question is: Could you still do that kind of work, given your current condition?
How SSA Evaluates Your Past Work
To make this determination, SSA considers:
- Your job descriptions: The actual tasks, duties, physical requirements, and mental demands.
- How the job is generally performed in the national economy: Not just how you did it personally with your particular employer.
- Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): An assessment of what you can still do physically and mentally.
If your RFC shows you can meet the demands of any past work from the last five years, SSA will likely deny your claim.
Common Issues with PRW Evaluations
- Applicants may not fully explain the demands of their prior jobs.
- SSA might misclassify your job based on vague or incomplete descriptions.
- The job title might not reflect the actual responsibilities or physical demands.
Being thorough and accurate in describing your previous work is critical to avoiding unnecessary denials.
Was Your SSD Claim Denied Due to Past Relevant Work?
If your Social Security Disability claim was denied because the SSA thinks you can still do your past work, you have the right to appeal. Many people succeed in appealing by providing stronger evidence and clarification.
The Ortiz Law Firm helps individuals nationwide with SSD claims. If you need help understanding your options, we’re here to talk. Call (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation.
