Understanding Past Relevant Work

SSA defines PRW as work you have done that:

• Was performed within the past 15 years before your disability claim.
• Had a duration and level of activity that the SSA considers substantial.
• Required skills and responsibilities you had that may be transferable to other jobs.

Role of PRW in Disability Determinations

During disability evaluation, the SSA will:

• Assess if you can return to your PRW despite your physical or mental limitations.
• Determine if your PRW was done long enough and skilled sufficiently to impact eligibility.
• Decide if you can adjust to other types of work based on your PRW and remaining abilities.

Impact on Disability Claims in Massachusetts

For claimants in Massachusetts, PRW affects your claim by:

• Influencing whether SSA rules you can still perform your previous job roles.
• Helping SSA evaluate your residual functional capacity to do other work.
• Determining if alternative jobs exist considering your PRW skills and limitations.

Importance of Accurate Work History

You must provide:

• A thorough description of your previous work duties and timeframes.
• Information on the physical and mental demands of your past jobs.
• Details to help SSA properly classify your work as skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled.

Challenges with PRW Evaluations

Common issues include:

• Disputes over whether work qualifies as past relevant based on time elapsed or skills used.
• Misinterpretations about your duties and how they relate to current abilities.
• SSA reviewing skills transferability incorrectly, affecting claim decisions.