How the Social Security Administration Defines “Work”
When applying for Social Security disability benefits, your claim may be initially denied because it is found that despite your disabling condition, you are able to perform sedentary or light work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very specific designations they use to determine four levels of work, which they call exertional levels. The designations are: sedentary work, light work, medium work and heavy/very heavy work. Rating the exertional levels for any particular job and a claimant’s ability to function in that job provides the rudimentary process of evaluating whether or not you are capable of working or are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Other factors that may be evaluated, depending on the nature of your disabling condition, include mental health faculties, social capabilities, as well as various other considerations depending upon the individual circumstance.
Sedentary work.
Sometimes described as a “desk job,” sedentary work does not require much movement. There may be an allowance for occasional walking and standing, not exceeding a total of two hours per day. The exertional level does not allow the lifting of any object over 10 pounds for this type of work.
Light work.
This designation typically includes clerks and retail cashiers. There is more walking and standing involved and about two hours of sitting. The exertional level involves being able to lift up to 20 pounds, but more frequently, lifting items weighing about 10 pounds.
Medium work.
This designation refers to more physically demanding and more skilled work. There is ample standing or walking, and physical action increases to kneeling, bending, or squatting, as well. One must be able to lift 50 pounds and be acclimated to lift 25 pounds frequently.
Heavy/Very heavy work.
A construction worker likely falls into this category, lifting items that are a hundred pounds or more. It isn’t likely that anyone capable of doing this type of work would qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Your exertional level as a claimant is factored into your total case claim in order for the SSA to come to a conclusion with regard to the functional limitations imposed by your disabling condition and make a decision on the claim. Medical evidence from your doctor or other treating medical professional is used in order to diagnose and substantiate your ability to perform or not perform tasks at these exertional levels. Non-exertional components of any job are also considered when evaluating your Social Security disability benefits claim.
Are you applying for social security disability benefits? You may get in touch with Social Security Law for their service.
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