Work Exertion Levels Could Impact Your Disability Benefits

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Work Exertion Levels Could Impact Your Disability Benefits

Work Exertion Levels Could Impact Your Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses various methods to measure a person’s eligibility for disability benefits. One of these methods is determining a person’s exertion level related to work. An exertion level can make someone more eligible or less eligible for disability benefits. Talk to a Pennsylvania disability lawyer to find out your eligibility.

How Does the SSA Measure Exertion Levels?

The SSA measures exertion levels for disability benefits with three levels. These levels include sedentary work, light work, and medium work. Knowing the differences Work Exertion Levels Could Impact Your Disability Benefitsbetween these may provide more information on what the SSA uses to decide your eligibility for disability benefits.

Sedentary work is defined as minimal physical exertion. Examples include carrying light tools, sitting, no more than two hours of standing and walking, and using the hands to work. Many occupations that involve working at a desk in an office involve sedentary work like this.

Light work means lifting objects no more than 20 pounds heavy and carrying objects that are no more than 10 pounds. Lifting and carrying heavy objects is minimal while standing and walking take up to six hours out of an average workday. Lifting and carrying objects happens more frequently than with sedentary work.

Medium work means lifting objects of up to 50 pounds and carrying objects of up to 25 pounds. Standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and sitting are all involved. The person may tend to use more of their arms to hold, turn, and manipulate objects. Crouching and flexibility are often involved in this type of work as well.

Exertion Levels May Impact Disability Benefits

To qualify for SSA disability benefits, your disability must significantly interfere with your ability to work. Exertion levels are part of the criteria used the determine whether someone is able to work despite having a disability. Exertional activities like lifting or standing must be limited by a disability for at least 12 months.

Otherwise, the person may not qualify for disability benefits. The level of exertional activities someone can perform helps determine the severity of the disability. A disability must be severe and either last 12 months or be expected to lead to premature death.

The SSA will also look at other factors related to how the disability impacts work performance. Substantial gainful activity considers how much monthly income someone makes despite having a disability. If this person makes above a certain amount of monthly income, then disability benefits may not be available.

However, the SSA does not just look at the current job the person had but also at whether the person can adapt to other jobs. Disability benefits may not be offered for those who can adapt. Try contacting a Pennsylvania disability lawyer if you have any questions about this.

Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania

Applying for disability benefits can be a tedious process, but you may not have to do this alone. Reach out to a Pennsylvania delayed insurance benefits attorney if you have any questions. All you have to do is contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your disability claim. Our legal team is ready to help you secure the disability benefits you need.