Requesting a Sit-Stand Option at Your SSDI Hearing
TL;DR: A sit/stand option means you need to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday. If your RFC shows you need to change positions every 15 to 30 minutes, this significantly erodes the sedentary job base. When the vocational expert is asked about jobs with a sit/stand option, the number of available positions drops dramatically. Combined with off-task time or absenteeism, a sit/stand option often leads to a "no jobs" finding. Get your doctor to specify the frequency of position changes in your RFC.
The sit/stand option is one of the most effective arguments in SSDI hearings for people with back pain, hip problems, circulatory conditions, and other conditions that make sustained sitting or standing painful.
Why It Matters
Sedentary work requires sitting for approximately 6 hours in an 8-hour day. If you cannot sit for 6 hours because of pain, you might still be found capable of sedentary work if you can stand the rest of the time. But if you need to alternate every 15 to 30 minutes, most sedentary jobs cannot accommodate that.
What to Document in Your RFC
Your doctor should specify:
- How long you can sit at one time before needing to stand
- How long you can stand at one time before needing to sit
- Whether this need is predictable or occurs unpredictably due to pain
- Whether you also need to walk briefly when changing positions
At the ALJ Hearing
Your attorney asks the VE a hypothetical that includes the sit/stand option. The VE will typically testify that a sit/stand option every 15 to 30 minutes reduces the sedentary job base by 50% or more. Add other limitations and jobs may be eliminated entirely.
See our guides on vocational expert testimony, off-task arguments, and absenteeism arguments.
Get Your RFC Right
ClaimPath's Appeal Pack ($49) includes RFC guidance that ensures your doctor documents the sit/stand option with the specificity ALJs require.
Start your appeal preparation now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about requesting a sit-stand option at your ssdi hearing?
TL;DR: A sit/stand option means you need to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday. If your RFC shows you need to change positions every 15 to 30 minutes, this significantly erodes the sedentary job base. When the vocational expert is asked about jobs with a sit/stand option, the number of available positions drops dramatically.
Why It Matters?
Sedentary work requires sitting for approximately 6 hours in an 8-hour day. If you cannot sit for 6 hours because of pain, you might still be found capable of sedentary work if you can stand the rest of the time. But if you need to alternate every 15 to 30 minutes, most sedentary jobs cannot accommodate that.
What should I know about at the alj hearing?
Your attorney asks the VE a hypothetical that includes the sit/stand option. The VE will typically testify that a sit/stand option every 15 to 30 minutes reduces the sedentary job base by 50% or more. Add other limitations and jobs may be eliminated entirely.
What should I know about get your rfc right?
ClaimPath's Appeal Pack ($49) includes RFC guidance that ensures your doctor documents the sit/stand option with the specificity ALJs require.