The Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment plays a critical role in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This assessment evaluates what kind of work a person can perform despite their limitations caused by a physical or mental impairment.
What is RFC?
RFC refers to the maximum level of physical or mental activity a person can sustain in a work environment. It looks at factors such as how long someone can sit, stand, lift, and focus during a typical workday. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the RFC assessment to understand if a person can engage in past work or any other job.
RFC categories
There are different categories of RFC, including sedentary, light, medium, and heavy work. Each level indicates the type of physical exertion someone can handle. For example, a person classified under “sedentary work” is limited to jobs that involve sitting most of the day and occasionally lifting light objects. Mental impairments, such as difficulty focusing or handling stress, are also considered in the RFC assessment.
Impact on SSD/SSI eligibility
RFC significantly influences whether someone qualifies for benefits. When the SSA finds that a person’s RFC enables them to perform their past work or transition to a new type of job, they may deny the claim. On the other hand, if the assessment reveals that the individual’s limitations prevent them from finding reasonable employment, they will likely qualify for benefits. RFC determines the extent to which a person’s impairments affect their ability to work, making it essential to the SSA’s decision-making process.
RFC serves as a critical tool to evaluate how an individual’s impairments affect their capacity to work, which is the foundation of SSD/SSI eligibility decisions.The post What role does RFC play in qualifying for SSD/SSI benefits? first appeared on Disability Rights Law Center.