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When you have a qualifying medical condition, you may be able to get monthly monetary benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The key to being approved for benefits lies with your ability to prove that your medical condition is making it impossible for you to do your job. The SSA uses something called residual functioning capacity (RFC) to judge your ability to work at your job, so it is likely helpful for you to understand what this term means. Read on to learn more about your RFC:

What is meant by residual functioning capacity

You can consider this term a kind of measurement tool for the SSA to use to evaluate how your particular medical or mental condition affects your ability to do work at your job. They take a close look at some of the main skills required for you to function at your most recent job, and compare those tasks to what you may be able to do now that you are affected by your condition.

Those two elements, your past work skills and your present physical and mental abilities, are compared using levels. If the evaluation shows that you cannot do the work required at the same level you were for your most recent job, you may be able to get benefits. The evaluation is base on the following 5 work levels. Unfortunately, if it looks like you can still do the skills at the required function, you may be denied benefits.

The evaluation and RFC levels

A team comprised of a contracted medical doctor (or mental health professional) work together with a disability determination caseworker to define your RFC level. The five levels are:

1. Sedentary: This is usually defined as work done seated, but you must be able to also stand and walk at times. You should be capable of lifting at least 10 pounds at this level.

2. Light: The use of both arms and hands are required at this level and you should be able to stand and walk frequently. You should be capable of lifting at least 20 pounds and of carrying at least 10 pounds while walking.

3. Medium: In addition to doing the work at the sedentary and light levels, you should be able to lift at least 50 pounds and carry 25 pounds on a frequent basis.

4. Heavy: In addition to doing the work at the sedentary, light and medium levels, you should be capable of lifting at least 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds frequently.

5. Very heavy: Here you should be able to do the work of all levels and to be able to lift and carry at least 100 pounds.

Contact a law office like Blomberg Benson & Garrett for more information and assistance.