RFC — Residual Functional Capacity
SSA's assessment of the maximum amount of work-related physical and mental activity a person can do consistently over a full workday despite their.
Official source: ssa.gov
RFC stands for Residual Functional Capacity — Social Security's formal assessment of what you can still do in a work setting despite your health condition. Think of it as your "work ability rating."
SSA evaluates two types of RFC:
**Physical RFC** covers what your body can do: How long can you sit, stand, and walk? How much weight can you lift and carry? Can you bend, stoop, reach overhead, use your hands for fine motor tasks?
**Mental RFC** covers what your mind can handle: Can you concentrate for a full workday? Follow instructions? Get along with coworkers? Handle the normal stress of a job?
RFC is rated across several levels: sedentary work (mostly sitting, light lifting), light work, medium work, heavy work, and very heavy work. If your RFC limits you to sedentary work and you're over a certain age, the Medical-Vocational Grids may direct a finding of disabled even if you're not fully incapacitated.
Your RFC comes from your medical records, your doctor's opinions, your own reported symptoms, and sometimes an SSA examination. It's one of the most important documents in any disability case — if the RFC doesn't accurately capture your real limitations, your claim is at risk. Make sure your treating doctors document every limitation in writing.
In real life
- A person with a bad back might not be able to lift heavy boxes, so their RFC would say they can do lighter work.
- Someone who has trouble focusing because of a medical condition might have an RFC that says they can do jobs with fewer distractions.
- A person recovering from a serious illness might have an RFC that limits them to working only a few hours a day.
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Frequently asked questions about RFC
What is Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)?+
SSA's assessment of the maximum amount of work-related physical and mental activity a person can do consistently over a full workday despite their impairments, used when a claimant does not meet a Blue Book listing. Physical RFC classifies work capacity as: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, or Very Heavy.
Who qualifies for RFC?+
Adults under full retirement age who have a qualifying medical condition expected to last 12+ months and who have earned enough recent work credits.
How do I apply for RFC?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Where can I get help?+
Run the SSDI Filing Success Score to check your readiness, then the SSDI Benefit Estimator to size up your monthly payment. Local Social Security field offices can also help you apply at no cost.
Source: ssa.gov