Past Relevant Work refers to jobs Social Security considers when deciding whether you can still perform work you’ve done before. Generally, qualifying jobs were performed within the past five years, lasted long enough to learn, and met substantial gainful activity requirements. Social Security evaluates your actual duties—not just job titles—including lifting, standing, skills, and physical demands. Accurately describing your work history can significantly affect your disability claim.

Social Security looks beyond job titles when evaluating disability claims, focusing instead on what your past work actually required. Jobs are classified by physical demands, skill level, responsibilities, and transferable skills. Details such as lifting, standing, climbing, equipment use, and supervision can affect the classification. Accurately completing your Work History Report is important because an incorrect classification can influence whether Social Security determines you can still perform past work.