Vocational Expert — VE
A Vocational Expert is a job market specialist who testifies at SSDI hearings about whether you can do your past work or any other work given your limits.
Official source: ssa.gov
A Vocational Expert is a person who knows a lot about jobs and the job market. They go to hearings for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help decide if you can still work. They look at your past jobs and what you can do now with your health problems.
This expert helps people who are applying for SSDI benefits. If you can't do your old job because of a medical condition, the expert looks at other jobs you might be able to do. They think about your skills, education, and how your health problems limit you. They want to see if there are any jobs in the national economy you could do.
The Vocational Expert is important because their opinion helps the judge make a decision about your SSDI claim. Their testimony can show if you are able to work or not. This affects whether you get approved for benefits.
If you have an SSDI hearing, your lawyer can help you understand what the Vocational Expert does. Your lawyer can also help you prepare for any questions that might be asked about your work history and abilities.
In real life
- At an ALJ hearing, the Vocational Expert listed jobs the claimant could still do based on their RFC.
- The Vocational Expert told John that even with his bad back, he could still work as a phone operator.
- Sarah's lawyer asked the Vocational Expert if any jobs existed for someone who couldn't lift much weight.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Vocational Expert
What is Vocational Expert?+
A Vocational Expert is a job market specialist who testifies at SSDI hearings about whether you can do your past work or any other work given your limits.
Who qualifies for Vocational Expert?+
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 Vocational Expert?+
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. Official forms and instructions: https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/about_us.html.
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