Proving you cannot do sedentary work: Overview

Sedentary work is the least physically demanding type of work recognized by the Social Security Administration. Most applicants for Florida Social Security disability benefits who are under the age of 50 and can speak and read English will need to prove that they are unable to perform a wide range of sedentary work in order to qualify for disability benefits.

What is sedentary work?

The Social Security Administration generally defines sedentary work as work that requires:

• Lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time;
• Occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools;
• Periods of standing or walking that generally total no more than about 2 hours of an 8-hour workday;
• Periods of sitting that generally total approximately 6 hours of an 8-hour workday; and
• Good use of the hands and fingers for repetitive hand-finger actions.

How to prove you cannot do it

If your case requires you to convince Social Security that you cannot do most sedentary jobs, you will need to present evidence of your functional limitations—physical or mental restrictions that prevent you from being to perform one or more of the above requirements.

A number of functional limitations will prevent you from being able to perform a wide range of sedentary work. They include:

• Standing and walking limitations;
• Sitting limitations;
• Manipulative limitations;
• Mental impairments;
• Visual impairments; and
• Environmental restrictions.

An Ocala disability lawyer can help you determine which functional limitation(s) apply to you. Contact experienced Ocala Social Security disability attorney Claudeth J. Henry for an evaluation of your functional limitations and how best to present this evidence to succeed in proving your Florida Social Security disability claim. Complete the form on this page and we will respond promptly.