The new 5-year period for past relevant work (PRW) becomes effective today. New DDS determinations and ALJ decisions will only evaluate 5 years of past work. The 5 years runs from the date of adjudication (or the date last insured, if earlier). See 20 C.F.R. 404.1565(a) and Ruling 24-2p.

In the world of Social Security disability, this final rule is a seismic shift.

If you haven’t done so already, you should review all your pending claims to determine whether or not jobs held more than 5 years ago were the basis for a denial at Step 4, or for a denial at Step 5 due to transferable skills.