How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Texas?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/22/2025
How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Texas? In Texas, the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines 'Past Relevant Work' (PRW) as any work you have done in the last 15 years that was substantial and required significant effort. The SSA uses this concept to determine whether you are able to perform your PRW despite your disability. If you can still do your PRW, you may not qualify for disability benefits. The evaluation focuses on the type of work, its physical and mental demands, and how recently you performed it.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
Definition of Past Relevant Work
SSA considers work as PRW if it was:
- Done within the past 15 years, reflecting your recent work history.
- Substantial gainful activity, meaning the work was performed for pay or profit.
- Long enough and demanding enough to be considered relevant for disability decisions.
Assessment of Physical and Mental Demands
The SSA evaluates:
- The complexity and duties involved in your past work.
- Whether these duties match your current functional capacity despite your disability.
Use in Disability Determination
The concept helps SSA:
- Decide if you can return to your previous jobs, preventing benefit approval.
- Compare PRW to other work to evaluate your ability to adjust to other jobs.
Importance in Texas Disability Cases
PRW affects claim outcomes by:
- Providing clear evidence of work you can still perform, affecting denial or approval.
- Shaping the SSA’s view on vocational adjustment possibilities.
Documentation Needed
Collecting effective evidence includes:
- Work history reports detailing job duties and duration.
- Medical records supporting your limitations relative to PRW demands.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Hogan Smith supports Texas residents by clarifying how Past Relevant Work impacts your disability claim through:
- Thoroughly reviewing your work history to identify relevant jobs and their demands.
- Helping gather detailed documentation that links your medical limitations to your past job functions.
- Advising on how the SSA evaluates PRW and what it means for your eligibility for benefits.
- Representing you in appeals when your ability to perform PRW is wrongly assessed by the SSA.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you have questions about how Past Relevant Work is defined or used in your Texas disability claim, contact Hogan Smith now for a free consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through the SSA process and fight to protect your right to disability benefits.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you