Sedentary Work and SSDI: When Desk Jobs Don't Disqualify You
TL;DR: Sedentary work means lifting no more than 10 pounds, sitting 6 hours per day, and standing/walking no more than 2 hours. Being limited to sedentary work often leads to SSDI approval for applicants over 50 with physical work backgrounds. Even sedentary work can be ruled out if you have additional limitations: need to alternate positions, off-task time, inability to concentrate for 2-hour periods, or excessive absences. These "erosion factors" are critical to your case.
The sedentary RFC is the critical threshold in many SSDI cases, especially for older applicants. If the SSA finds you can only do sedentary work, the grid rules often direct approval. But even if you're younger, additional limitations beyond sedentary can eliminate all available jobs.
What Sedentary Work Requires
| Requirement | Sedentary Standard |
|---|---|
| Lifting/carrying | Up to 10 lbs occasionally |
| Sitting | 6 hours in an 8-hour workday |
| Standing/walking | Up to 2 hours total in 8-hour workday |
| Typical jobs | Data entry, receptionist, surveillance monitor, order clerk |
Erosion of the Sedentary Job Base
There are approximately 200 sedentary occupations in the DOT. But additional limitations can rapidly erode that number:
- Sit/stand option needed: Need to alternate between sitting and standing every 30 minutes eliminates many sedentary jobs
- Off-task more than 10-15%: Most employers won't tolerate this level of lost productivity
- Absent more than 2 days/month: Exceeds most employer tolerance
- Can't use both hands for fine manipulation: Eliminates most desk work
- Can't concentrate for 2-hour periods: Eliminates most work tasks
- Need unscheduled breaks: Disrupts workflow and productivity
A vocational expert at a hearing can testify to the exact number of jobs remaining after each limitation is applied. Often the answer is zero.
ClaimPath documents your specific functional limitations, including erosion factors that eliminate sedentary jobs. $79, one time.
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