Remote work has transformed the traditional workspace, but does it also raise questions about who may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits? It may, since the Social Security Administration (SSA) will assess your disability claim based on your ability to do tasks associated with your job, regardless of the location or arrangement.
At Sigman Janssen, our legal team has extensive knowledge of SSD claims and how remote work experience could affect the outcome of your application.
Not sure if working remotely disqualifies you for benefits? Contact our law offices to discuss your situation. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in Appleton are prepared to guide you on how to document your limitations and navigate the complex SSA evaluation process. We ensure remote work history strengthens, rather than compromises, your disability claim.
Call (920) 335-1394 to discuss your SSD claim today. Your initial consultation is completely free.
How Does the SSA View Remote Work Experience?
The SSA evaluates your ability to perform any work available in the national economy. Many jobs now offer remote options, which means the SSA considers both traditional and work-from-home positions when assessing disability claims.
- Physical Requirements: Remote work often requires prolonged sitting, computer use, and fine motor skills. Working from home would not change the requirements, which means working beyond a certain number of hours – or at all – may still be impossible with certain disabilities.
- Mental Demands: Virtual meetings, independent task management, and digital communication create cognitive challenges that may support many disability claims.
- Technical Skills: Whether your disability prevents you from being able to use the required technology is another factor the SSA will consider as part of their overall assessment of your work capacity.
- Productivity Standards: The ability to meet remote work deadlines while maintaining expectations for quality is relevant to disability decision.
Do Remote Accommodations Affect SSD Eligibility?
Working remotely with accommodations does not automatically disqualify you from receiving disability benefits. The SSA examines whether these accommodations enable sustainable employment or merely postpone an inevitable withdrawal from the workforce due to medical conditions.
Remote work accommodations may demonstrate the progression of your disability rather than your ability to maintain employment. For example, transitioning from office work to remote arrangements due to worsening symptoms may strengthen your disability claim. The key lies in documenting work arrangements that have been modified and how they have failed to overcome or fully overcome your medical limitations.
What Medical Evidence Matters for Remote Workers?
Medical evidence is the key to a successful disability claim, regardless of work arrangement. Your doctors must document specific limitations that prevent sustained work activity, even in a remote setting.
- Functional Capacity: Your medical records must support your claim and show how your condition limits your ability to perform the essential activities required for remote work.
- Treatment History: Showing regular medical care and how it impacted your ability to work is vital to your case. One example is if you were prescribed any medications or other treatments to help your condition. You can strengthen your claim by providing documented proof of consistently following that treatment, including recording whether it helped or did not help your disability despite work location flexibility.
- Specialist Opinions: Comprehensive assessments from your treating physician and other medical professionals carry significant weight in proving limitations for remote workers. Your doctor can clearly document key details, such as your symptoms, the treatment plan you are following and the functional limitations that remain.
- Objective Testing: Clinical findings from diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or X-rays can help verify disabilities that affect your ability to work, even remotely.
When Does Remote Work History Impact a Disability Claim?
Remote work history provides crucial context for disability claims in a few ways.
Your Ability to Prior Ability to Perform Remote Work
The SSA examines how you performed remote work in the past and how your medical condition impacts or limits your ability to perform in past work you did, including remote positions.
Establishes a Functional Baseline of Your Work History
Past remote work experience helps establish your functional baseline before the onset of your disability. Changes in work arrangements or declining performance despite remote accommodations often provide compelling evidence of disability. The key lies in demonstrating that your medical condition prevents sustained work activity, regardless of location or schedule flexibility.
Assesses Whether Your Ability to Earn Exceed the SSAs Substantial Gainful Activity
If your remote work earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold for the current year, the SSA may determine you are still capable of working.
How to Document Remote Work Limitations
Success in disability claims requires thorough documentation of your limitations. To help improve your chances for success, you should keep detailed records of the following:
- Work Modifications: Document changes made to accommodate your condition while working remotely.
- Performance Issues: Track how your medical condition affects your ability to do remote work, as well as your productivity and quality.
- Medical Restrictions: Save all documentation of provider-recommended work limitations.
- Technical Challenges: Record difficulties using required remote work technology due to your condition.
Why Call Sigman Janssen About Your SSD Claim?
Do you need help understanding how your remote work experience affects your disability claim? The SSA’s evaluation process grows more complex as work arrangements evolve and diversify.
At Sigman Janssen, our disability attorneys stay current with SSA policies regarding remote work and disability determination. We help clients present their strongest case for benefits, ensuring all aspects of their work history support their claim. There are no upfront costs or fees if we represent you.