The Role of Education in Social Security Disability Cases

The amount of education an individual has received factors into Social Security disability cases when determining what work he or she is capable of performing. The method the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses is detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations. This takes into consideration the length of time that has passed since a person received his or her education and the last grade level completed – unless there is evidence to contradict the skills and subject matter the individual learned.

For example, if a person dropped out of school after the eighth grade but only received the equivalent of a fourth grade education due to excessive absences or taking alternative education classes and there’s evidence to prove it, this may be taken into consideration in the evaluation of an individual’s skill level and abilities. But in most cases, the more education you have, the more work options you have, especially if you finished 12th grade or higher.

The SSA will also evaluate an individual’s literacy and English comprehension based on their ability to read or write simple words and phrases common to a trade. Language and reading barriers could make it difficult to work in some fields. Ordering your educational records is easy to do and can be helpful in building a case for Social Security disability benefits.

If your educational experience presents special circumstances or you have other questions regarding your Social Security disability case, please contact the experienced staff of Jan Dils Attorneys at Law, for a free initial consultation at 877.526.3457.