Definition of Past Relevant Work

The SSA defines Past Relevant Work as:

• Jobs performed within the last 15 years that qualify as substantial gainful activity.
• Work that lasted long enough for you to learn how to do it well.
• Skills and experience gained from prior work that SSA evaluates.

Role in Disability Determination

SSA uses Past Relevant Work to:

• Assess if you can still perform your former jobs despite your impairments.
• Compare your abilities to the demands of your previous work.
• Decide whether to proceed to other disability criteria or deny benefits.

Factors Considered by SSA

The evaluation includes:

• Your residual functional capacity and how it limits your work abilities.
• The physical and mental demands of your past jobs.
• Duration and skill level of the past work.

Importance in the Iowa Disability Process

In Iowa, Past Relevant Work helps determine:

• If you are able to return to your previous occupations.
• Whether you qualify for benefits due to inability to perform past jobs.
• Guiding vocational experts in assessing possible alternate work options.

Common Challenges

Applicants often face issues such as:

• Difficulty proving the nature and duration of past work experience.
• Disagreements over skill level or exertional demands of previous jobs.
• Confusion about what counts as relevant versus non-relevant work.