New Social Security Simplifies Disability Evaluation Reduces Work History Period to 5 Years 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making significant changes to simplify the disability evaluation process, providing much-needed relief for those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Beginning June 22, 2024, the SSA reduced the work history period it reviews when determining past relevant work from 15 years to just five. This significant update is part of a broader effort to reduce administrative burdens and improve access to benefits for people with disabilities.

For individuals struggling with disabilities, the Social Security system can be a daunting task. The new rule aims to ease this process, making it more efficient and less stressful. If you’re facing difficulties with your disability claim or are unsure how these changes might affect you, contacting an SSDI benefits attorney can help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and securing the support you need.

What Is Social Security’s Disability Evaluation Process?

The Social Security Administration administers two programs for individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs follow a strict five-step process to determine if an applicant meets the criteria for disability benefits. These steps include:

• Assessing current work activity—determining if the applicant is engaged in substantial gainful activity;
• Reviewing the severity of the disability—verifying whether the condition is severe enough to interfere with basic work-related activities;
• Comparing the disability to a list of qualifying conditions—ensuring that the applicant’s condition is included in Social Security’s list of disabling conditions;
• Evaluating the applicant’s past relevant work—reviewing whether the applicant can perform any of their past work; and
• Determining if the applicant can perform any other work—assessing if the individual can adjust to other types of work, given their disability, age, education, and work experience.

The most significant update within this process involves step four. Previously, applicants had to provide detailed information about up to 15 years of work history, which often resulted in incomplete or inaccurate data. The new rule reduces this burden by focusing on the past five years of relevant work history, streamlining the process and making it easier for applicants and the SSA to make informed decisions.

How Will the New 5-Year Work History Rule Help Applicants?

The new rule simplifies the process of gathering work history information, which has been a source of frustration for many applicants. Previously, remembering and documenting 15 years of past employment was challenging, especially for those dealing with severe disabilities. This often led to errors in reporting and delays in the decision-making process. By focusing only on the last five years of relevant work, the SSA aims to improve accuracy and reduce the time it takes to process claims.

Under the updated rule, the SSA will also exclude short-term work that lasted less than 30 days, further simplifying the application process. This change will allow applicants to focus on their most recent, meaningful employment history without having to recall every job they’ve held over the past 15 years.

Commissioner of Social Security Martin O’Malley stated, “This new rule will lessen the burden and time our applicants face when filling out information about their work history and will make it easier for them to focus on the most current and relevant details about their past work.”

By making the application process more efficient, the SSA hopes to reduce the backlog of disability claims and improve overall customer service. These changes are particularly beneficial for individuals who need a faster decision to access their benefits and maintain financial stability.

Why Is This Important for SSDI Applicants?

The changes to the SSA’s disability evaluation process will directly impact SSDI applicants, especially those who may have struggled with gathering extensive work history information. The reduced timeframe makes it easier for applicants to provide accurate details about their most recent jobs, leading to faster and more reliable decisions.

For individuals going through the application process, these updates provide a much-needed reprieve from the complex and often overwhelming steps in filing for disability benefits. Additionally, applicants who may have previously been denied benefits due to incomplete work history documentation can benefit from the new rule when reapplying.

While the SSA is working to make the disability determination process more user-friendly, many applicants still face difficulties navigating the system successfully. This is where an SSDI attorney can be invaluable. 

Other Recent Updates to Social Security’s Disability Programs

In addition to the new five-year work history rule, the SSA has recently announced other updates to improve access to both SSDI and SSI benefits. These updates include changes to how the SSA calculates benefits for SSI applicants, specifically excluding the value of food from SSI benefit calculations and expanding the rental subsidy exception nationwide. These updates are part of a broader initiative to reduce barriers and improve access to essential benefits for individuals with disabilities. If you are applying for disability benefits or have been denied in the past, it’s vital to seek help from a knowledgeable SSDI attorney who can assist you with your claim.

Do you Have Questions About Your SSDI Application?

If you are contemplating applying for SSDI benefits or recently applied and received a denial, Attorney David W. Magann can help. As an experienced Tampa Social Security lawyer, David Magann commands an impressive knowledge of the complex benefits-application process and can help get your claim approved. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call Attorney David W. Magann at 855-418-9354. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.