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Recency

As noted above, the regulations provide that a claimant or beneficiary’s work experience is usually relevant when the work “was done within the last 15 years.” Four points govern this 15-year “recency” period as an element of past relevant work. They are:

The date of adjudication:

  • When deciding whether a claimant is disabled under Title II or Title XVI, the 15-year period is generally the 15 years prior to the time of adjudication at the initial, reconsideration or higher appellate level.

The date last insured:

  • In Title II cases where the disability insured status requirement was last met prior to the date of adjudication, the 15-year period begins on the date last insured. For example, if the claimant was last insured on December 31, 1990, and the Title II claim was adjudicated on January 1, 1999, the relevant 15 year period would be from January, 1976 through December 31, 1990.

Continuity between remote and recent occupations:

  • In some cases work performed prior to the 15-year period may be considered as relevant when a continuity of skills, knowledge, and processes can be established between such work and the individual’s more recent occupations.

Continuing disability reviews:

  • In a continuing disability review, when deciding whether a Title II or a Title XVI beneficiary continues to be disabled, relevant past work is work he or she performed in the 15-year period prior to adjudication of the issue of continuing disability.

SSR 82-62 www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/02/SSR82-62-di-02.html.