How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Kentucky?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/18/2025
How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Kentucky? In Kentucky, the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines Past Relevant Work (PRW) as any job you have performed in the last 15 years that lasted long enough for you to learn the tasks and gain skills. The SSA uses PRW to assess whether you can still do the kind of work you did before becoming disabled. Your Disability Determination heavily relies on this to decide if you qualify for benefits. It includes evaluating your ability to do your past work considering your current medical condition.
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Definition of Past Relevant Work (PRW)
PRW refers to:
- Jobs performed within the last 15 years which you did long enough to learn how to do them well.
- Work requiring skills or abilities that SSA evaluates for disability determination.
- Employment that was substantial and gainful during your active working period.
Importance of PRW in the Disability Process
PRW helps SSA determine if you can:
- Perform previous job duties despite your disability.
- Return to similar jobs or perform work requiring comparable skills.
- Identify if your disability prevents all past work activities.
Evaluation of PRW by SSA
SSA examines:
- Physical and mental demands of your past work.
- Your residual functional capacity (RFC) to assess what jobs you can do.
- Whether your disability limits ability to perform PRW tasks.
Impact on Disability Benefits
If SSA finds you can:
- Perform PRW, your claim may be denied.
- Not able to do PRW, SSA moves on to assess other work possibilities.
Work Credits and PRW
PRW is considered alongside:
- Work credits you earned through paying Social Security taxes.
- Duration and recency of employment to qualify for disability benefits.
Unique Considerations for Kentucky
In Kentucky, SSA also:
- Reviews local job market when assessing ability to do past or other work.
- Considers specific industries common in Kentucky for PRW determination.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we assist Kentucky residents navigating SSA's use of Past Relevant Work by:
- Explaining how your prior jobs impact your disability eligibility and what work SSA considers PRW.
- Helping gather detailed job descriptions and documentation to accurately represent your past work.
- Analyzing whether your current condition prevents you from performing PRW duties under SSA rules.
- Providing expert advice on how PRW factors into appeals and disability hearings.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you need help understanding how Past Relevant Work affects your disability case in Kentucky, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through SSA procedures, protect your rights, and work hard to maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
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