Work History Report
March 21, 2020
Have you finally reached the point where you are mentally and physically unable to perform regular duties in your job, including some cases where an employer has even made accommodations for you, and you are still unable to perform the regular duties of your job? You may have a case for disability benefits. When filling out your Application for disability benefits, there is another form you will file as well called a Work History Report.
Your Work History Report goes back fifteen years. Social Security will ask you to go back further than 15 from your date of disability if your disability insured status or Date Last Insured (DLI) has expired. Disability Insured Status is a topic for a future blog. For now, assume you have the required status of going back 15 years in your work history. If you haven't worked for a total of fifteen years, go back as far as you have worked. For example, if you've only worked 12 years, you will go back all twelve years. Also, the job has to have been relevant. Did you make the required Substantial Gainful Activity amount for that year? SGA amounts can be found for prior years, and we can help you with this.
Your Work History Report will tell Social Security exactly the job functions of past work, any physical demands you may have incurred and the skill level involved with each job. Consider as well, were there any mental functions necessary for the jobs you held? Were you a manager? Did you have to focus, concentrate, multitask, or remember concepts? Was manual dexterity or endurance involved, or did you have to use assistance to enhance your vision to perform the job? What about work environment social interaction with peers or supervisors? How did you handle stress? Did you work with the public?
It is very important that if you are seeking benefits you're not careless with filling out forms, and definitely explain in detail past jobs history. The dates you worked matter, estimate if you can't remember and say so in the Remarks section. Use the Remarks section liberally to explain if you have to, and accurate reporting is tantamount to your case. Disability forms can be a source of intimidation for an applicant. Please don't give up. We're here to help and there is never a charge to fill out your forms.
This blog is intended for information purposes only and does not establish legal representation or financial guidance.