How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in New Mexico?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/19/2025

How does SSA define and use 'Past Relevant Work' in the disability process in New Mexico? The Social Security Administration (SSA) in New Mexico considers Past Relevant Work (PRW) as any work you have done in the last 15 years that was both substantial and gainful. PRW must have lasted long enough for you to learn the skills required for the job. SSA uses this concept to determine whether you can still perform your previous work despite your disability. If you can, your claim may be denied based on your residual capacity to perform past jobs.

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Definition of Past Relevant Work

SSA considers PRW as work that:

  • Was done within the last 15 years before your disability claim.
  • Had substantial earnings showing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
  • Lasted long enough for you to have learned necessary skills.
Assessment of Skills and Demands

SSA evaluates your past work to determine:

  • The physical and mental demands of your previous jobs.
  • Whether your current residual functional capacity allows you to do similar work.
Use in Disability Determination

In New Mexico, PRW is used to decide:

  • If you can return to your previous job despite your impairment.
  • Whether your disability claim should be approved or denied based on your ability to perform PRW.
Relevance to Work Credits and Eligibility

PRW ties into:

  • Your work history and earnings which contribute to benefit eligibility.
  • Determines if you have needed work credits through Social Security taxes.
Role in Vocational Expert Testimony

In complex cases, the SSA may:

  • Use vocational experts to analyze your ability to return to PRW or alternative jobs.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we guide New Mexico residents in understanding how Past Relevant Work impacts their SSA disability applications by:

  • Assessing your employment history to identify which jobs qualify as Past Relevant Work under SSA rules.
  • Helping gather detailed information about the skills and demands of your former positions to validate your claim.
  • Explaining how your current condition affects your ability to perform your PRW and preparing arguments if you cannot do so.
  • Working closely with medical experts and vocational specialists to strengthen your case regarding your disability and former work capacities.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you have questions about how Past Relevant Work influences your disability claim in New Mexico, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. Our skilled team will help you navigate SSA’s disability process, ensuring your work history is properly evaluated and increasing your chances of approval.

Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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