You might have a new condition or be thinking about applying for disability benefits from Social Security. This is where you will be lucky. The Social Security Administration just recently announced a major change that will make everything easier to understand.
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A new era of applications that are easier to use
Since June 22, people applying for the position don’t have to submit a record of their job experience for the last 15 years. They are supposed to only write down jobs done in the last five years. This major shift intends to ease the pressure on applicants so that they can concentrate more on their recent and relevant work history.
Why Work History Matters
When figuring out if your disability keeps you from doing heavy work, your job history is very important. Most people, though, find it hard to remember work from the last 15 years. So that things would be easier, SSA took out any work that was done in less than 30 calendar days.
The Step Process to Disability Benefits
Applying for SSDI and SSI benefits involves a detailed five-step process:
- Financial Eligibility Screening: The SSA screens out applicants who earn above the substantial gainful activity limit.
- Medical Screening for Severe Impairment: The DDS agency denies claims if the applicant has no or a “not severe” impairment.
- Medical Screening for Listing-Level Impairments: The DDS checks the applicant’s medical records to see if their disability matches the SSA’s Listing of Impairments.
- Assessment of Capacity for Past Work: The DDS checks the applicant’s RFC and ability to do past work.
- Assessment of Capacity for Any Work: The SSA considers the applicant’s RFC and vocational factors to determine if they can do any other work in the national economy.
The impact of Shortening Employment History requirements
Reducing the employment history requirement from 15 to 5 years will likely:
- Reduce the burden on applicants
- Improve efficiency and streamline the disability decision process
- Focus on recent and relevant work history
- Exclude short-term jobs that may not accurately represent an individual’s ability to engage in substantial gainful activity
Will this change affect disability benefit approvals?
An individual’s employment history serves as a basis for approval. Secondly, although some applicants might have been previously rejected because their work experience exceeded five years, they might now be more likely to get approved. All in all, however, this boils down to several factors that affect the overall approval rate.
A Fairer Review Process
This change offers a fairer review by acknowledging that work abilities can change, and that past jobs might not be relevant anymore. By focusing on the last 5 years of work, disability assessments become more accurate, and applicants may receive benefits faster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SSA’s reforms aim to simplify the disability benefits application process, reduce the burden on applicants, and improve efficiency. If you’re considering applying, now is the time to take advantage of these groundbreaking changes.
FAQs
How long does my disability need to last?
At least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
Can I apply if I’ve worked less than 30 days?
Yes, those jobs won’t be considered.
Can I appeal if my application is denied?
Yes, you have the right to appeal.
How often do I need to update my work history?
Only when you apply or reapply for benefits.
What’s the goal of this reform?
To focus on the most recent and relevant work history.
