If you or someone you love has ever applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you know the process can feel overwhelming. From gathering medical records to recalling every job you’ve had in the last 15 years, it’s easy to see why so many claimants feel lost before they even reach a hearing.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently made a major change that could simplify that process — especially when it comes to describing your past work history. As of June 22, 2024, SSA will now only consider the past 5 years of work (instead of 15) when determining whether you can return to your “past relevant work.”
At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we believe this is one of the most positive and practical updates in recent memory for disability applicants and their representatives. Here’s what Illinois families need to know.
What Changed — and Why It Matters
Under the old rule, SSA looked at your work history for the past 15 years when deciding if you could go back to a job you used to do. That meant applicants often had to describe in detail jobs they hadn’t done in over a decade — sometimes in industries that no longer even exist.
Now, the new regulation limits that “look-back” to 5 years and also says any job that lasted less than 30 days will no longer count as “past relevant work.”
In practical terms, this means:
- Less paperwork — You won’t have to dig up long-forgotten job details from many years ago.
- More realistic evaluations — SSA will only look at work that actually reflects your recent skills and abilities.
- A fairer process — Many people who changed careers or stopped working long ago for health reasons will no longer be compared to outdated job expectations.
SSA says the goal is to “lessen the burden and time our applicants face” and to “focus on the most current and relevant details.” That’s good news for claimants — especially those who struggle with memory issues, limited access to records, or complex work histories.
How This Could Help Illinois Disability Applicants
This rule change could have a real impact for many Illinois residents applying for SSDI or SSI benefits:
- Older Workers Benefit the Most
Many disability claimants are older individuals who stopped working more than 5 years ago due to declining health. Under the new rule, those distant jobs won’t be used against them.
For example, if you worked in construction 10 years ago but have been unable to do physical labor since then, SSA will no longer use that old job to deny your claim based on your ability to return to “past work.”
- Easier Evidence Gathering
Claimants no longer have to track down supervisors, HR files, or job descriptions from years ago. SSA forms will require less detail, making the initial application more manageable and less stressful.
- Shorter Decision Times (Potentially)
By simplifying the information SSA needs to review, this change may help shorten the backlog for disability determinations — though it will take time to see the full effect.
- Better Focus on Current Medical Conditions
When SSA looks at a shorter period of past work, your current health and functional limitations become more important than what you could do many years ago. This shift aligns better with the purpose of the disability program: determining your current ability to work, not your past capabilities.
What Claimants Should Do Next
If you’re currently applying for disability benefits or have been denied in the past, here’s what you should consider:
- Update Your Work History Forms — Make sure you only include jobs from the past 5 years (and only those lasting more than 30 days).
- Gather Medical Evidence — SSA’s focus will shift even more toward medical limitations. Ensure your doctor’s reports clearly explain how your current condition prevents you from working.
- Get Professional Help — Even with this positive change, disability law remains complex. A legal representative can help ensure your application and appeal are framed correctly under the new rule.
Why the Change Is Good Policy
For years, both disability advocates and SSA employees have noted how outdated the 15-year rule was. Jobs have changed dramatically over the past decade — what counted as “light work” in 2009 may now require entirely different skills or technology.
This new 5-year window better reflects today’s labor market and helps ensure claimants are evaluated fairly, based on recent work and current ability.
At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we view this as a long-overdue modernization of SSA’s disability rules — one that aligns with how real people live and work today.
The Bottom Line
This new rule doesn’t automatically guarantee approval, but it does make the process simpler, fairer, and more focused on the present — not your past.
If you’re applying for SSDI or SSI in Illinois, or helping a loved one navigate the system, understanding this change could make a real difference in your case.
Our firm stays up to date on every policy and legal development that affects Illinois families — so you don’t have to.
📞 If you have questions about your disability benefits or need help appealing a denial, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
