Developing a disability can seriously restrict your ability to return to work. Without any way to earn an income, obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide crucial financial support. But your SSD claim’s approval relies on more than your medical condition. The SSA will also evaluate your previous work experience to decide whether you can transition into a job that requires a similar or lower level of skill.
Understanding transferable skills
Transferable skills are abilities that you gain from working and that you can apply to a variety of different jobs or industries. When you have been working in a skilled or semi-skilled labor profession, you likely have acquired skills that you might be able to use in less demanding types of work. Examples of transferrable skills include supervising, managing, taking inventory, typing, clerical work and teaching.
How transferable skills impact SSD claims
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates both your work history and the severity of your medical condition when reviewing your claim. If you are unable to return to your previous job and you lack transferable skills, there’s a strong possibility you will qualify for SSA benefits. For instance, individuals employed in highly specialized areas that require specific machinery or proprietary knowledge often find that their skills do not easily transfer to other industries.
Conversely, if you are capable of working and possess transferrable skills that match a similar or lower-level job, the SSA may deny your disability claim. For example, nurses who are close to retirement age may develop a disability that prevents them from returning to such physically demanding work. However, they could still provide training, teach or chart.
Still, one important thing to keep in mind is that transferable skills are generally only relevant if you are over 50. The SSA is aware of how much more difficult to retrain and start over in a new role when nearing an advanced age and while managing a disability. However, the SSA may assume that you still have time to learn new skills and reenter the workforce if you are under 50.
Proving that you can’t be retrained
Transferable skills can play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of your SSD claim. If the SSA denies your claim and you believe it was due to an inaccurate assessment, you can appeal the decision. An experienced disability attorney can help determine whether you have non-transferable skills and be your advocate at a disability hearing.