How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Missouri?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/19/2025
How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Missouri? In Missouri, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers 'Past Relevant Work' as the jobs you have performed in the last 15 years that are substantial and gainful. SSA uses this information to determine if you can still do the same kind of work or any work close to it despite your disability. The evaluation of past relevant work includes the type of work, how much you did, and whether the work was done long enough to learn skills. This helps SSA decide if you qualify for disability benefits.
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Understanding Past Relevant Work
- Defined as jobs held in the last 15 years that qualify as substantial and gainful activity.
- SSA assesses whether your prior work was done long enough to learn the necessary skills.
Role in Disability Determination
- SSA compares your current physical and mental abilities with those required by your past work.
- If you can still perform past relevant work, you may be deemed not disabled.
Types of Work Considered
- Includes jobs that involve similar skills or exertion levels even if job titles differ.
- Work must have been significant enough to provide learning and experience.
Time Limits on Work Considered
- Only work done within the last 15 years is relevant for SSA's evaluation.
- Older or less substantial work is usually not considered in the decision.
Impact on Missouri Disability Cases
- SSA carefully reviews past relevant work to ensure applicants cannot do similar jobs before approving benefits.
- This can influence the eligibility outcome for SSDI or SSI claims.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Hogan Smith assists Missouri residents by thoroughly evaluating your past relevant work history to demonstrate how your disability affects your ability to perform those jobs.
- We review job records and descriptions to accurately present your work skills and demands to the SSA.
- Our team helps gather strong medical and vocational evidence that supports your inability to return to past relevant work.
- We communicate with SSA to challenge any claim that you can perform previous work, ensuring your case is well-represented.
- We guide you through the complex disability process with expert knowledge of how past work impacts eligibility in Missouri.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you have questions about how SSA defines or uses past relevant work in Missouri disability cases, contact Hogan Smith today. Our knowledgeable team offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights and strengthen your disability claim.
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