If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ll likely come across the term residual functional capacity. It might sound complicated, but it simply refers to what you’re still able to do despite your medical condition. Understanding how it works is a key part of building a strong disability claim.
In this article, we’ll discuss what residual functional capacity means, how it’s assessed, what limitations are considered, and why it plays such an important role in your disability case.
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In this article about residual functional capacity:
Key Takeaways
- Residual functional capacity (RFC) measures what you can still do despite your medical condition. The Social Security Administration uses this assessment to evaluate your physical and mental ability to perform work-related activities.
- Residual functional capacity plays a key role in disability decisions. The SSA reviews your RFC to determine whether you can return to past work or adjust to other types of jobs.
- Residual functional capacity considers both physical and mental limitations. Factors like lifting ability, standing tolerance, concentration, and social interaction can all affect your RFC and your eligibility for disability benefits.
What is Social Security RFC?
One major component of your disability claim involves figuring out your residual functional capacity (RFC). Social Security RFC measures what you can still do despite any limitations caused by your medical condition and its symptoms. It reflects your maximum ability to perform work on a regular, stable basis.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your RFC to decide if you can return to your past job or adjust to other work.
At step four of the disability review process, Social Security will look closely at what the person can and can’t do physically and mentally. This detailed review addresses whether the person can still do the job they used to do, as they did it.
If the SSA finds the applicant can’t return to their past work, it moves to step five and evaluates what other jobs they may be able to do based on their exertional and nonexertional limitations. The SSA may assign a work level to help with this, but without a clear picture of the person’s specific limitations, it’s hard to know if they match the demands of those jobs, especially since jobs at the same level can vary widely. We explain these limitations below.
How is residual functional capacity determined?
Your RFC is determined by an assessment, which is mostly based on the evidence in an individual’s claim, including medical records. A doctor typically completes it, but it can also include observations, personal reports, and lay evidence about your exertional and nonexertional limitations.
RFC and exertional levels of work
The exertional levels of work portion of the RFC assessment evaluate whether you can manage a typical work schedule and help the SSA determine the type of work you may still be able to do.
By categorizing your abilities on a scale ranging from highly exertional, heavy work to sedentary work, the SSA will try to determine the highest level of work you’re still physically capable of.
- Sedentary work usually means jobs where you mostly sit, occasionally lift light objects, and don’t need to move around much.
- Light work includes jobs that involve lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently, often with a lot of walking or standing.
- Medium work includes jobs that involve lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently, with a lot of walking and standing.
- Heavy work or very heavy work represents “substantial work capability” for jobs at all skill and physical demand levels.
If you’re unable to meet these basic requirements regularly, your RFC is considered below sedentary, which may strengthen your disability claim.
RFC and nonexertional levels of work
In addition to exertional limits, a person’s RFC can also be affected by nonexertional limitations. Nonexertional limitations are defined as issues that can affect a person’s ability to work even if their body can physically handle certain tasks. These include:
- Manipulative limitations: Trouble using your hands, such as gripping or handling small objects
- Environmental limitations: Sensitivity to environmental irritants like dust, fumes, or extreme temperatures
- Social limitations: Difficulty interacting with co-workers, supervisors, or the public
- Cognitive limitations: Problems with focus, memory, or concentration
These non-exertional factors can minimize the jobs you’re able to do, further lowering your RFC.
When is residual functional capacity required?
The SSA considers many factors when deciding if you qualify for disability, and your RFC can often play a key role in that decision.
RFC assessments are required in disability claims when:
- A decision based on medical evidence is needed
- The person has one severe impairment or several mild impairments that, together, are considered severe
- The condition does not meet or match a listed disability in the SSA’s Blue Book
- The SSA needs to decide if the person can still do substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- The person’s impairment isn’t considered severe on its own, but it still prevents them from doing their past relevant work due to the specific demands of that job
- The SSA refers to grid rules to determine disability
Understanding when an RFC assessment is required is just one piece of the puzzle. Interpreting medical evidence, proving how your condition limits your ability to work, and navigating the SSA’s rules can be overwhelming, especially if your case doesn’t meet a listed impairment. A disability lawyer may be able to help you better navigate this complicated process.
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
Residual functional capacity (RFC) is an assessment of what you can still do physically and mentally despite the limitations of your medical condition. Social Security uses your RFC to evaluate your ability to perform basic work activities, such as sitting, standing, lifting, concentrating, and interacting with others, when deciding your disability claim.
An RFC assessment looks at both physical and mental limitations, including your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, focus, follow instructions, interact with others, and handle things like noise, dust, or temperature changes.
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
