Vocational Factors

Vocational Factors are the elements that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use to determine if a claimant seeking disability is able to adjust to other work. Paired with the claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), SSA will use factors such as age, education, and work experience to determine if the claimant has the ability to adjust to other work or if they will be deemed disabled under their rules.

Vocational factors can be determined as such:

Age: Typically younger individuals are deemed generally able to adjust to other work and have the potential to return to work and meet the SGA rules.

Education: SSA will use four education categories to evaluate an individual’s level: high school & above, limited education, marginal education, and illiteracy.

Work Experience: With the SSA’s change to reduce the work history evaluation to the past five years; SSA will look to see if a claimant can perform any past relevant work.

Back to glossary

Need help?

At Advocator Advantage, a Brown & Brown Company, we are committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program.

Have questions?

At Advocator Advantage, we understand that navigating SSDI, Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have along your journey.