When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the intricacies of the process can often be overwhelming. One crucial aspect that applicants might not initially consider is how their skill level at their previous job can impact their SSDI eligibility. Understanding this element is vital, and a skilled Social Security Disability attorney from PLBH can guide you through this complex process.
The Role of Skill Level in SSDI Applications
The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses your ability to work based on your current medical condition and your past job skills. The key to being approved for SSDI is demonstrating that your disability severely hinders your ability to perform job-related duties, including those at your most recent job.
SSDI Eligibility and Job Skills
In some instances, you might be unable to continue your current job due to a disability, but the SSA may still consider you capable of performing other types of work. This determination depends heavily on the skill level of your previous job and the potential for other occupations you can do despite your disability.
Accurate Application Filling is Crucial
To ensure an accurate evaluation by the SSA, it’s imperative to thoroughly and accurately complete all application forms, detailing your job duties comprehensively. PLBH can assist in crafting these descriptions to ensure they accurately reflect your situation and job responsibilities.
Understanding SSA’s Skill Level Categories
The SSA classifies jobs into three main skill levels based on the time it takes to learn the necessary skills and the specifics of the job duties:
- Unskilled Work: These jobs typically require little judgment and can be learned in less than a month. Often physically demanding, unskilled jobs usually don’t provide transferable skills.
- Semi-skilled Work: These jobs demand attention to detail, dexterity, and coordination, involving repetitive motions. The SSA views these jobs as taking three to six months to learn.
- Skilled Work: Involving judgment and mechanical activities, skilled work may entail producing a product or providing a service, often requiring close interaction with co-workers. Learning these jobs typically takes more than six months.
The Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) System
The SSA utilizes the Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) system to assign a skill level based on the duration of training needed for a job. The SVP system categorizes unskilled workers as those who needed less than a month of training, semi-skilled workers as needing one to six months, and skilled workers as requiring more than six months.
How SSA Determines Work Capability
Using these classifications, the SSA assesses whether there is alternative work you could engage in. They consider your capability to perform work either at or below your previous skill level. Therefore, someone categorized as unskilled will only be considered for unskilled jobs, whereas those deemed skilled could be considered capable of working in any of the three categories.
The Double-Edged Sword of Being “Too Skilled”
Interestingly, being highly skilled can sometimes work against an SSDI applicant. If the SSA believes you are capable of transitioning to a different skilled or semi-skilled role despite your disability, it could lead to a denial of your SSDI application.
Do You Need Legal Assistance?
The good news is that with PLBH, you’re not alone in this process. Our expert team can assist you at every stage, including appealing an SSDI decision, if necessary. With our comprehensive understanding of SSDI processes and requirements, we aim to provide you with the best chance of a successful application. For professional assistance with your SSDI application or appeal, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for dedicated support and guidance.