WAR…What Are They Good For? Everything You Should Know About Work Activity Reports

What Are War They Good For?

What’s the most important thing anyone needs in order to be granted Social Security Disability Benefits? Ask anyone in our firm and they’ll tell you that sufficient evidence is paramount. When we talk about evidence, we are most often referring to medical evidence. For the most part, medical evidence pertains to your medical records. The term is rather broad, but medical records include tests, opinions from medical professionals, and any information that can help prove your disability medically. Evidence isn’t just limited to the medical world, though. Many forms of non-medical evidence can be used in a Social Security claim, too. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses many forms of non-medical evidence for your claim. One such form is called a Work Activity Report, or WAR, and it can be crucial to your claim if you continued to work after your alleged onset date.

At its most basic level, Social Security Disability is in place as a benefit for individuals who are no longer able to work. If you continue to work after your alleged onset date, the SSA will not approve your claim at the date you allege. However, like many things in life, there are some exceptions to the rule. That’s why a WAR is so important.

One way that a WAR can be beneficial to your Social Security Disability claim is if you’re not working as much as you used to, or if you’re not working to Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. According to the Social Security Administration, to be eligible for disability benefits a person must be unable to engage in a substantial gainful activity (SGA). A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount is ordinarily considered to be engaging in SGA. In 2019, SGA is $1,220.

The WAR may seem complicated, but it’s actually rather simple. The form requires some basic information about yourself as well as your employers. You will also have to fill out some information about your salary and the hours you worked. The WAR includes areas for you to explain the ways in which you had special accommodations at work. For instance, if you had a coach, received different pay, or were provided with special transportation, you can list this on the WAR, too.

If you have questions about a Work Activity Report, Substantial Gainful Activity, or the Social Security process as a whole, give us a call today for a free consultation. Our toll-free number is 1-877-526-3457. If you can’t talk now, fill out this form so we can contact you at a better time.