Past work
Work history and job demands
Adult claims often examine past work: what you did, how hard it was physically and mentally, and why you cannot do it now. Job titles alone are rarely enough.
What to document for each job
Job title, employer type, and dates.
Main duties in plain language.
Physical demands (lifting, standing, walking) and mental demands (pace, stress, public contact).
Why the job ended or why you can no longer perform it.
Why this section is often underestimated
Vague duty lists make it harder to compare your limits to real job requirements.
Accommodations, reduced hours, or help from coworkers can matter.
A clear work timeline supports both the medical story and any later hearing.
Practical next steps
- Make a 15-year work list (or back to when you last worked steadily).
- For your main jobs, write 5–10 duty bullets and the hardest physical/mental parts.
- Note the last year you worked and when the condition began to interfere.
Optional help
You can keep preparing with these guides on your own. If you want help from a disability advocate, you can use the full screening to see next steps and request a conversation.
General educational information only. Not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Not a determination of eligibility or approval. Not legal or medical advice. Rules and dollar amounts can change; verify details for your situation before you apply or appeal.