Will the disability examiner call my former employer about the type of work I did?How does Social Security classify or categorize the work I did in my past jobs? They actually use a 3 inch thick reference book to look up job titles and try to make a match with what you've described as your job with what they find in the book (the DOT, or dictionary of occupational titles). Unfortunately, the book is very very very outdated (yet they continue to use it). There are probably instances where a DDS examiner might contact a supervisor to find out what was involved on a job, but that rarely ever happens. Disability examiners sometimes receive 3-5 new cases to work on PER DAY. They usually just try to match the information provided by the claimant with whatever the can find in the DOT manual which does not make the process very accurate. Honestly, this probably as good as the process will ever get unless the DOT book ever gets updated and that would be massive undertaking. But this is exactly why I continually advise people to provide very detailed descriptions of their past jobs for the last 15 years (this is the relevant period as far as SSA is concerned). Because it can actually make a difference in the determination of a disability case. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Can't Work In My Old Job, How Does Social Security Disability Consider This? If you are denied for disability, is this based on your ability to do your past work? What types of information is Social Security Disability looking for? The disability examiner will use the work history information to identify each job in the DOT, or dictionary of occupational titles Does social security contact your former work employers when you file for disability? Disability examiners make decisions on disability applications |
