When you start down the road of seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and keeping it for as long as you need it, you’ll see all kinds of acronyms – and learn what they stand for. One is RFC, which stands for residual functional capacity.
This refers to what work-related activities a person can do on a sustained basis (for example, for the length of a regular workday and workweek) despite any physical and mental limitations resulting from their disability. These limitations can include pain suffered when an action is attempted.
How is RFC determined?
A person’s RFC is based on their “maximum remaining ability.” Both the applicant’s “past relevant work” and other work are considered.
The RFC is “assessed by adjudicators at each level of the administrative review process” when they first apply for SSDI based on evidence provided with their application. This includes statements by doctors and other documentation in their records.
As noted, RFC is assessed based only on “the individual’s physical or mental impairment(s).” The Social Security Administration (SSA) explains that “in assessing RFC, the adjudicator must consider only limitations and restrictions attributable to medically determinable impairments.” For example, things like age, weight, height, strength and other factors that prevent someone from doing a job but have nothing to do with their disability are not considered.
This is just a brief review of RFC and how it factors into an assessment of whether a person is too disabled to work. There’s a lot more to know. Applying for SSDI and being able to continue receiving benefits for as long as needed are both challenging processes. They can be faster and more successful with experienced legal guidance. If you’re facing a denial, it’s definitely worth determining what you can do to overcome that initial denial.