How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Arizona?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/17/2025

How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in Arizona? In Arizona, the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines Past Relevant Work (PRW) as any work you have done in the last 15 years that lasted long enough for you to learn the skills required. The SSA uses PRW to determine whether you can still perform jobs you have done before, considering your current physical or mental limitations. This evaluation helps decide if you qualify for disability benefits by assessing if you can return to your previous job duties or adapt to similar roles. Essentially, the PRW review is a key part of the medical-vocational analysis SSA conducts during the disability process.

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Definition of Past Relevant Work
  • Work done in the last 15 years that lasted long enough to learn the job tasks.
  • Includes any paid or unpaid work with transferable skills.
  • Relevance depends on your ability to perform the job now with your limitations.
How SSA Evaluates PRW
  • Considers the demands of past jobs like physical, mental, and skill levels.
  • Uses PRW to assess if you can return to your prior job or similar occupations.
  • Assessment includes your residual functional capacity(what you can still do).
Role in Disability Determination
  • Helps SSA decide if your disability prevents performing PRW.
  • If you can work PRW, disability claim will likely be denied.
  • Inability to perform PRW supports eligibility for benefits.
Arizona-Specific Considerations
  • Arizona applicants may face unique job market factors SSA considers in PRW evaluation.
  • Work types common in Arizona are analyzed carefully for functional demands.
  • Local labor trends might influence SSA’s decision on suitable alternate work.
Appealing PRW Decisions
  • You can challenge SSA’s PRW findings if you believe they misjudged your abilities.
  • Providing additional medical evidence can strengthen appeals.
  • Expert testimony about your past job and limitations is valuable in hearings.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we guide Arizona residents through the complex SSA definition and application of Past Relevant Work in disability claims by:

  • Examining your work history to identify the SSA’s view of your past jobs and their requirements.
  • Helping gather clear documentation to prove how your current limitations affect your ability to perform PRW.
  • Explaining how SSA applies PRW standards and what the findings mean for your disability claim.
  • Supporting you through the appeal process if SSA’s PRW assessment incorrectly denies benefits.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you need expert assistance understanding how the SSA defines and evaluates Past Relevant Work in Arizona’s disability system, contact Hogan Smith now for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable team will help clarify your past work status, prepare your case, and advocate for your rightful benefits with confidence.

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