Are you considering applying for Social Security disability benefits? Your ability to work will play a large role in your approval.
What is "Light Work?"
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your claim via a medical-vocational allowance, it will determine how much work you are able to complete: sedentary, light, medium, heavy, or very heavy. The more your disability keeps you from moving, the less work you'll be able to perform. Light work means you are able to do a few modest tasks, but little physical labor.
Primary Differences Between Light Work and Sedentary Work
Sedentary work is the minimum evaluation you can receive. There are two primary differences between applicants who receive a "light work" ruling as opposed to sedentary. People who are capable of light work can usually be on their feet for a large portion of the day, while those only capable of sedentary work must be in a chair or even confined to bed rest. Additionally, those who are capable of "light work" are also able to carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
People who are qualified for light work are not able to walk all day long, nor are they usually able to grasp, hold, and turn objects. Light work requires only fine motor skills via fingers.
Light Work and Your Job
Your career will play a large role in determining whether or not you will qualify for Social Security. For example, a construction worker would likely not be able to perform his or her duties while only being able to do light work, but a secretary would likely have no problem accomplishing tasks while only being able to perform light work.
If you want to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you should consider speaking with an advocate or attorney. An attorney can fight for your claim in court and prove that you are unable to hold a job with your light work rating.
