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An important part of the Texas disability benefits claim process is when the Social Security Administration determines if you are able to perform:

  • Work you did prior to filing for disability compensation
  • A different type of work than what you did prior to filing

If it is decided that your condition makes it impossible to work at either type of job, your case is approved and you will start receiving benefits. It can be extremely difficult to convince Texas disability court that you are unable to work, so one of the goals of your application is to find as much supporting evidence as possible.

Let’s review how the agency assesses your case to determine if, in the administration’s opinion, you are still able to work at the kind of job you used to have.

Could you still do your old job?

With your application, you will submit a past relevant work history, detailing your old jobs. Jobs to include in your history:

  • Employment held in the last 15 years
  • Included productive activities for which you were paid
  • Employment held long enough to learn how to perform specialized tasks

While seasonal and part-time jobs can be counted as relevant work, some jobs – such as unpaid volunteer work or employment that was unsuccessful for reasons tied to your disability – are not.

Determining relevant work history can be extraordinary complex for some applicants. If you find this is the case for you, it may be in your best interests to seek legal guidance prior to filing.

Information Needed From Past Relevant Work

The information on the job history you submit to the SSA needs to be more specific and detailed than what you would put on a resume. Be sure to document in detail:

Comprehensive Job Description

  • Necessary skills
  • Performed duties
  • Hours worked
  • The work environment.

Physical Activities Necessary for the Job

  • The amount of walking, standing, lifting, sitting, and carrying done in a typical shift
  • What sorts of fine motor skills were necessary
  • The types of tools and equipment you needed to complete work

How Your Limitations Impacted Day-to-Day Work Performance

  • How often you needed to take additional breaks or leave early
  • How much time off you needed related to your condition
  • How much and how often you needed help from co-workers

How Your Limitations Impacted Overall Work Performance at This Job

  • The point at which your condition started to negatively affect your performance
  • When and why you needed to stop working

If you are applying for disability benefits in Dallas but aren’t sure how to present your work history, the experienced attorneys at Morgan & Weisbrod may be able to help. Set up a no-cost case review today by calling 800-800-6353.

Don’t forget to request a copy of our free book, Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know.

Morgan & Weisbrod LLP

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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