Social Security Disability And Your Previous Job: What To Know
by Jo Rodriquez
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When a medical or mental health condition affects your ability to earn an income, you may be qualified for financial assistance. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees a benefits program for those who meet the requirements. If you have enough work history and a qualifying medical condition, you might be paid a monthly benefit known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Being approved for benefits is a long and challenging process but worth it for those who can no longer work at their jobs. One complex factor for applicants is the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) issue. Read on to find out how your ability to perform certain tasks is connected to approval from the SSA.
Levels of Approval
The SSA has in place a process that screens applicants based on information in their applications. First, applicants are checked to make sure they have enough work credits to receive benefits. Secondly, applicants must prove that they have a medical or mental condition severe enough to prevent them from working. Finally, applicants must show how much work they are still able to do and that is known as RFC.
Understanding the Basis of Your RFC
As the name might suggest, RFC is about what you can do rather than what you can no longer do. To be approved, applicants must show that they cannot perform certain specific tasks. These tasks include standing, walking, carrying objects of various weights, and more. When an applicant's RFC is complete, the SSA will know whether or not the former worker can do light-duty, heavy-duty, or no duty at all.
Doing Your Part
Most people are confused when faced with the RFC form. This form, the Physical Residual Functional Capacity Assessment, must be completed by your doctor. It must be noted that SSA claims examiners are not medically trained in any way. That is why you may be referred to an SSA contract doctor for an RFC exam. You don't have to do it that way, though. You can obtain the form and have your doctor complete it for you. This saves time and can result in a better outcome for applicants. If you have a lawyer helping you, having a doctor complete the form is one of the first things they will have you do.
Unfortunately, many applicants don't do a good job of explaining how their condition affects performing work tasks. Speaking to a Social Security attorney provides applicants with many benefits and making sure their RFC is on point is just one of them. Speak to a Social Security lawyer to find out more.
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We all know that lawyers are professionals who help people interpret and work with the law, but do you know how a law firm works from the inside out? I am a professional paralegal, and I have worked in both large and small law firms during my career. I can tell you that a successful law firm needs more than just lawyers to keep it running smoothly, and sometimes things can get really crazy! Take a tour through a law firm in my blog, and find out what really goes on behind the scenes of an active and successful law firm.