Definition of Past Relevant Work

The SSA considers your past relevant work as:

• Jobs performed within the last 15 years that you did long enough to learn.
• Work where you earned enough to be considered significant by the SSA.
• Positions that require skills transferable to new roles or unique to your experience.

Role in Disability Evaluation

SSA uses past relevant work to:

• Assess if you can still perform previous job duties despite your disability.
• Determine your residual functional capacity in relation to your work history.
• Identify whether suitable past work or similar work is available.

Work Duration and Earnings

To count as past relevant work, the SSA looks for:

• Brief but substantial work periods that show skill acquisition.
• Consistent earnings that demonstrate work significance.

Impact on Disability Decisions in Utah

Your past relevant work affects:

• Whether the SSA finds you able to return to past jobs despite limitations.
• The identification of other possible jobs considering your skills and restrictions.

Challenges in Proving Past Relevant Work

Common issues include:

• Incomplete employment records that hinder determination.
• Complex jobs with unclear skill requirements.

Documentation Needed

To support your claim, provide:

• Detailed work history including job duties and duration.
• Proof of earnings like pay stubs or tax documents.